Meet Coach Keri

Keri Mandell/ Iron Yogi

I’m Keri Mandell, known as the “Iron Yogi” — a yoga teacher and studio owner, running and triathlon coach, and lifelong fitness enthusiast. My journey began in education as a special education teacher, learning consultant, and school administrator, but over time I felt called to shift my path. Today I combine my teaching roots with my passion for yoga and fitness, helping others reconnect with their bodies, push their boundaries, and discover what they’re capable of.

Fitness and yoga are more than activities for me — they’re ways to express gratitude, build resilience, and find presence. Yoga grounds me, teaching breath, alignment, and balance, while endurance sports challenge me to go beyond perceived limits. Over the years, I’ve embraced adventures such as completing my first Ironman in 2018, the World Marathon Challenge in 2020 (7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days), the Grand Canyon Rim-to-Rim-to-Rim in 2021, my first 100-mile ultramarathon in 2022, Ultraman races in Arizona and Florida, and placing third female overall at the Ultraman World Championships in Hawaii.

As a coach, I believe in meeting people where they are and helping them grow from there. My style blends structure with flexibility, weaving in mindfulness, strength, and recovery to create sustainable progress. I encourage my athletes and students to dream big, lean into discomfort, and trust the process — whether that means crossing a finish line, finding balance on the mat, or simply showing up with consistency.

I also love creating opportunities for people to step outside their routines and immerse themselves in transformation through retreats. Hosting retreats around the world allows me to combine movement, mindfulness, adventure, and community — giving people the chance to reset, connect more deeply with themselves, and return home inspired.

Alongside these personal milestones, I’ve founded Empower Yoga and Empower Training & Retreats, coached athletes of all levels, presented at festivals, and partnered with brands like lululemon, Honey Stinger, and Skratch. I’ve also dedicated time to fundraising for causes close to my heart, including the American Cancer Society, Autism Speaks, Special Olympics, and Girls on the Run.

Every day, I strive to live by the mantra: “It’s a great day to be alive.” My mission is to inspire others to step into their power, challenge their comfort zones, and live fully — with strength, purpose, and joy.

Keri’s favorite quote:

“Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” – Neale Donald Walsch