Meet The Team

James Grace, our CEO and Lead Personal Trainer, whose personal journey of overcoming weight loss challenges fuels our mission. James himself shed over 100 pounds, experiencing firsthand the transformative power of mindset and determination.

My name is Anthony Darnell Phillips, professionally known as Anthony Darnell. I began my fitness and weight-loss journey in 2018, losing nearly 100 pounds through consistency, discipline, and purpose. That journey changed my life — and now I help others do the same.

After witnessing the premature death of a coworker while at work — along with losing other people close to me due to preventable health issues — I developed a burning desire to be the difference.

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After losing weight and gaining it back multiple times I decided to that I needed to take
control of my health. I started by going to my doctor for advice. Leaving the doctors office with
only one suggestion which was to eat less. So, I began my own research to figure out what was
happening to me.
Through my research there were correlations between my weight gain and signs of
menopause. With this information I had concluded that due to the systems of menopause and
my unhealthy lifestyle. This was the reasons for my weight gain amongst other things.
I came to Iron Jox under my fellow peer James Grace. With his constant encouragement
my goal for weight loss was achieved. Along with weight loss something far greater had
occurred. My passion and desire for personal training grew.
I specialize in training women through the various struggles of menopause, weight loss
for women and men, strength training, nutritional guidance and recovery.

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For years, I struggled with anxiety and depression with a firm belief that it was all stemming from being overweight. It was such a severe thought, that at times I no longer wanted to live.  One day I told myself “you have one last chance, you have to do something about yourself.” I reached out to Iron Jox and I haven’t looked back since. I lost the weight that had burdened me for so long, but I also developed strength, confidence, courage and finally... happiness. 

I fell in love with weightlifting and the barbell. I loved the way I felt when I was moving a barbell. I felt so powerful, so confident, and finally so calm. My world quieted down. Now I look at the barbell as “life” it will be hard, it won’t go as planned and you will fail, but the barbell doesn’t care. You can decide to pick it up, get stronger and build a positive lifestyle or you can decide to leave it. The opportunity is right in front of us, all we need to do is pick it up and start grinding.

Now, I look forward to helping others with empowerment, encouragement and motivation to change their lives and become the best version of themselves.

I am best known my fun matching gym outfits.

 

Quadarius "Q" Belser, known affectionately as "Coach Q," rose from a formidable 300lb offensive lineman on the football field to a professional bodybuilder. His journey took a life-altering turn when diagnosed with a serious heart condition. Rather than accepting defeat, Q saw this diagnosis as a challenge to transform his health and inspire others.

Over three years, Q committed himself to a rigorous regimen of balanced nutrition, disciplined training, and unwavering perseverance. His dedication paid off, as he not only conquered his heart condition but also sculpted his physique to peak condition, ultimately achieving professional status in bodybuilding.

Q's story epitomizes resilience and determination, demonstrating that with the right mindset, any obstacle can be turned into an opportunity for growth. Today, he leverages his platform to motivate and educate others, sharing his journey and advocating for heart health and fitness. From the football field to the bodybuilding stage, Quadarius "Q" Belser exemplifies the transformative power of the human spirit.

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Hello, my name is Cameron Smith. I’m a proud family man, supported by my amazing wife and our three beautiful daughters.

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I’ve struggled with obesity since I was 10 years old — spending over 17 years battling poor eating habits, deep insecurities, and ongoing health issues. For a long time, I hid behind the excuse of genetics to justify my weight.

At 27, everything changed. I found out I had been adopted at two months old. Around the same time, my 2-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Autism (ASD), and my family hit financial rock bottom. I slipped into a state of mild depression — questioning what was real and what wasn’t.

That was my wake-up call.

I realized I had the power to take control of my own reality.

From there, I went on a journey to find my purpose. I reconnected with both sides of my biological family and discovered that my weight wasn’t hereditary after all. I focused on getting my daughter the support she needed. Most importantly, I started working on myself.

That journey led me to fitness. I fell in love with the process, the discipline, and the growth. I lost 77 pounds and became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer so I could help others change their lives too.

My transformation has been more than physical — it’s been spiritual and mental. Today, I live with intention, discipline, and pride.

And now, I help others do the same — right here at Iron Jox.