Raphael Jones

I began my fitness journey at the age of thirteen when I noticed I was one of the "chunky" kids in school. I soon realized to increase my athletic performance I started to lift weights with my father in the basement. With the help of my father who guided me through basics of weightlifting and encouraged me to take my health well being seriously, I started to pursue my dreams of being a great athlete. I played football though high school and college and decided to continue a career in health, fitness, and nutrition. After graduating from Mckendree I worked at a local gym personal training various clients. While training the vice president of a local hospital I was offered a position in their cardiac rehab department as an exercise specialist. I was able to help patients that had various cardiac issues improve their physical health. In 2011 I started Empire Supplements to help people in the community improve their health, provide nutritional guidance, and people reach their goals.

I specialize in strength and conditioning, powerlifting, toning, sport specific training and sports nutrition. I believe that weightlifting can be one of the biggest confidence boosting activities a person can do. It provides a sense of accomplishment, it can relieve stress, increase the amount of energy you have, make you feel better, and look better. I push people to become the best they can be, because without your health you have nothing.

I love to read about anything and everything as long it is not Twilight.