Meet Yavin Hines

We had the good fortune of connecting with Yavin Hines and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yavin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
Starting YGFIT wasn’t just about fitness — it was about creating a culturally-rooted, holistic movement. As an exercise physiologist, personal trainer, nutritionist, and African holistic coach, I saw how disconnected mainstream health and wellness were from real healing. I wanted to fuse science with spirit — blending structured training, personalized nutrition, and ancestral practices to create a system that speaks to the body, mind, and soul. My thought process was simple: build something that helps people take their power back, naturally and intentionally.

What should our readers know about your business?
YGFIT is more than a fitness brand — it’s a movement rooted in science, soul, and culture. As an exercise physiologist, certified personal trainer, strength coach, nutritionist, and African holistic health practitioner, I created YGFIT to bridge the gap between physical transformation and total wellness. We specialize in body recomposition, strength development, holistic nutrition, herbal remedies, and mindset coaching. Everything we do is personalized and purpose-driven.

What sets us apart is the way we combine Western exercise science with African holistic principles. Most programs focus on surface-level results — weight loss, aesthetics, quick fixes. At YGFIT, we go deeper. We help clients heal from the inside out. That means addressing not just what you eat and how you train, but how you think, how you rest, how you align with your purpose, and how you reconnect with your roots. Our clients don’t just look better — they feel better, they live better, and they move with intention.

I’m most proud of the impact we’ve had on people’s lives. From helping clients reverse chronic issues to helping them build confidence, discipline, and structure, I’ve watched transformations that go far beyond the gym. I’m also proud that we’ve stayed authentic — we didn’t water down our methods just to fit trends. We’ve built a brand that’s culturally aware, spiritually grounded, and scientifically solid.

Getting here wasn’t easy. I started from scratch, doing everything myself — training clients, building programs, handling marketing, and constantly investing in education. There were moments where money was tight, where doubt crept in, and where I had to decide whether to scale back or go harder. I chose the latter. I surrounded myself with people who believed in the vision, stayed consistent, and kept evolving. The biggest challenge was staying true to myself in an industry that often rewards conformity. But I learned that your uniqueness is your power. The more I leaned into what made YGFIT different, the more success we found.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that discipline beats motivation, and alignment beats approval. You can’t build something lasting if you’re chasing trends or trying to be everything to everyone. You have to move with clarity, consistency, and conviction — and know that your energy will attract the people who are meant for your message.

What I want the world to know about me and YGFIT is simple: this is a brand built with intention. We don’t sell fitness fantasies — we provide tools for real transformation. Whether it’s through personalized training, nutritional guidance, herbal detoxes, or mindset coaching, we’re here to help people heal, grow, and thrive from the inside out. This is lifestyle medicine, ancestral wisdom, and modern science working together to create generational wellness.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend (or close crew) was visiting Atlanta for a week, I’d make sure they experienced the city the way I live it — balanced, intentional, and full of good energy. We’d hit a mix of culture, wellness, food, and a little bit of indulgence — all while staying grounded in the YGFIT lifestyle.

Day 1: Arrival + Grounding
We’d start with a chill day — maybe a walk through the Atlanta BeltLine to decompress from the travel and get some movement in. Light smoothie bowls or cold-pressed juices from places like Juiceheads ATL or Arden’s Garden, then a sunset vibe at Piedmont Park just to set the tone. Dinner would be at Slutty Vegan or Plant Based Pizzeria — showing them how ATL does flavor-packed, conscious eating.

Day 2: YGFIT Wellness Day
They’re getting the full YGFIT experience — we’d hit my gym for a private training session focused on glutes, hamstrings, or metabolic conditioning, followed by a guided recovery protocol. We’d do a quick breathwork and herbal tea detox session, then meal prep together — maybe jerk turkey cutlets with sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach. That night, something easy like Toast on Lenox for vibes and a solid meal.

Day 3: Culture & Connection
Morning stretch and mobility flow, then off to The National Center for Civil and Human Rights or Trap Music Museum — depending on their vibe. For lunch, I’d take them to Local Green Atlanta — black-owned, clean eating, and fire. Later, maybe an herbal shop like Roots Holistic Apothecary or even a walk through Little Five Points for that artsy energy.

Day 4: Nature + Recharge
We’d wake up early and hit Stone Mountain or even drive out to Amicalola Falls for a full-body hike and soul reset. Bring snacks, water, fruit, and a speaker for the vibe. Dinner would be at True Food Kitchen or Herban Fix — plant-forward and nutrient-dense.

Day 5: Play Day
This day is just good energy — brunch at Breakfast at Barney’s or Gocha’s Breakfast Bar. Then either a rooftop pool day, Ponce City Market, or indoor karting and gaming at Andretti’s. Nighttime? Either a live music set at Apache XLR or some upscale chill at The Garden Room or Red Phone Booth.

Day 6: Business & Brainstorm
Even when we’re vibing, we’re building. I’d dedicate a day for us to tap in creatively — vision board, plan content, brainstorm business moves. Maybe set up at PERC Coffee or Black Coffee ATL. We’d shoot some fitness content and follow up with a deep convo over dinner at Delbar — good food and better atmosphere.

Day 7: Farewell Flow
The last day would be all about restoration: guided meditation, herbal sauna or infrared session (somewhere like Jeju Sauna or Heal Thyself Atlanta), and a quiet evening cooking at the crib or doing a private chef experience. We’d close out with affirmations, gratitude, and setting intentions for whatever’s next.

Atlanta has a spirit that matches mine — soulful, ambitious, and rich with energy. This itinerary reflects everything I value: movement, connection, culture, rest, and elevation. If you’re with me, you’re not just visiting the city — you’re tapping into a lifestyle.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I could share my journey without acknowledging the people and influences that helped shape it. Success is never a solo mission, and I’ve been fortunate to be surrounded by a strong, supportive circle that poured into me at every stage of my growth — personally, professionally, and spiritually.

First and foremost, I have to give thanks to my family. Their unwavering love, sacrifice, and strength gave me the foundation to believe in myself, even when the path ahead wasn’t clear. They taught me how to lead with intention, remain grounded in purpose, and stay rooted in my values no matter how far I’ve come.

I also want to recognize my circle of close friends — a tight-knit group of individuals I consider chosen family. They’ve been with me through the late nights, early mornings, wins, losses, and everything in between. They’ve encouraged me to dream bigger, held me accountable, and reminded me of my “why” when things got heavy. That kind of loyalty and alignment is rare, and I don’t take it for granted.

Books like African Holistic Health by Dr. Llaila O. Afrika also deserve deep credit. That text opened my eyes to the connection between physical wellness, ancestral knowledge, and holistic healing. It didn’t just inform my philosophy — it inspired a movement within my business. It helped me see that wellness isn’t just about aesthetics or performance, but about restoring balance, honoring tradition, and healing from the inside out.

Finally, I want to shout out my clients and community — the people who trusted me with their health, their time, and their stories. YGFIT was built on those relationships. Every transformation, every word of feedback, and every ounce of trust has fueled my mission. Their belief in me strengthened my belief in myself.

The love, energy, and wisdom I’ve received from so many people is what made YGFIT more than just a business — it made it a lifestyle and a legacy.

Website: https://Www.ygfit.org

Instagram: https://Yavin.hines

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/18mHm3E53s/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Other: TikTok: Yavin.g