Hottest Trainer Contestant #5: Bethany Lyons

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Welcome to Racked New York's search for New York City's hottest trainer. Over the coming weeks, we'll profile sixteen smoking locals—fitness experts who not only look hot in spandex, but can make you look amazing too. Once you've gotten to know everyone, we'll host a March Madness-style showdown in which readers vote for their favorites. Let the games begin!

Photos by Sean Gomes for Racked

Former ballerina Bethany Lyons was living in L.A. when she ducked into a hot Vinyasa yoga class after dance practice, thinking it would be great cross-training. "It kicked my ass in a totally different way," she told us. Two years later she was teaching there, and soon after that she moved to New York—where she opened Lyons Den, a Tribeca space offering Baptiste-style yoga classes (the first of their kind in Manhattan).

Baptiste is intense (an offshoot of Power Vinyasa, it's a favorite of professional athletes), but Bethany keeps the vibe at Lyons Den relaxed—there are no mirrors, most classes are set to music, and her dog Josie has free reign. And, as if running her own studio didn't keep her busy enough, the self-described "Jill of all trades" is also a master instructor at SoulCycle. Read on the learn about her fitness motto, her gym bag must-haves, and what she'd be doing if she wasn't a yoga instructor.

Fitness advice you swear by, in five words or less.
Do the work and breathe.

Who is your athlete role model?
Dancers for their artistry, passion and love for what they do.

If you weren't a trainer, you'd be a...
Pop star!

What's always in your gym bag?
Mio Workout Wonder muscle gel, a Nalgene water bottle, my Lyons Den Ufit towel, and bandanas.

Biggest gym pet peeve.
People who blow their noses in the towels. Use a Kleenex!

Food you'd do 50 burpees for.
A French baguette, brie, and wine (good wine).

· Lyons Den Power Yoga [Official Site]
· SoulCycle [Official Site]
· Bethany Lyons [Twitter]
· All Hottest Trainer 2014 Contestants [Racked NY]