Lj Connell Jr - CPT
I am a NASM-certified personal trainer and CPR-certified coach, currently on the path to becoming a Doctor of Physical Therapy. I bring over 15 years of experience as a competitive athlete and 7 years of dedicated weight training, with a background that spans from early athletic development through Division II collegiate football at Concord University.
My journey hasn’t been linear. Along the way, I experienced major injuries, including ACL reconstruction, and spent extensive time in physical therapy clinics, first as a patient relearning how to move, trust my body, and rebuild strength, and later as a student shadowing licensed physical therapists and studying the science of human movement and recovery.
Those experiences fundamentally shaped how I approach training. Seeing both high-level performance and rehabilitation up close taught me the importance of proper movement mechanics, progressive loading, injury prevention, and recovery. It’s what led me to study biology, pursue physical therapy, and coach with a deeper level of intention.
Today, I combine my background in athletics, rehabilitation, and education to help clients build strength, improve conditioning, and move with purpose, whether they’re stepping into the gym for the first time or returning stronger after setbacks. My goal is not just to train bodies, but to build resilient, capable movement that lasts.
mission statement
Ares Academy is built on the belief that everyone is fighting a battle. Against doubt, weakness, injury, and the limits we place on ourselves. Our purpose is to help people win that battle through disciplined, intelligent training that strengthens both the body and the mind.
We guide each client toward strength development, athletic performance, fat loss, injury prevention, recovery, and sustainable nutrition through science-based programming, proper movement mechanics, and consistent effort.
This is where struggle becomes strength.
Where confidence is rebuilt through action.
And where you take control of your body, your discipline, and your future.
This is what it means to be part of Ares Academy.