A Fortress of Fitness in Arlington

So I typically allow mom to handle the weekly reviews, but this week, I’m taking the reign to give you our most recent FITVenture. If you don’t already know who I am, I am the Son, of the legendary GOAT who is my mother. Mrs.Princess. My name is Antjuan Hicks, but you can just call me Tjuan for short, and this week we were blessed to get put on notice to MFD. A new gym space located close to my old stomping grounds. What used to be an empty road has transformed over the years with shopping centers and gas stations, and now, right in the middle of what was once nothing, stands a small fortress built by “MJ,” the owner and operator of McGruder’s Fitness by Design (MFD).

From the moment I stepped in, I knew this wasn’t just another gym—it was a testament to dedication, discipline, and experience. MJ, a former military veteran, took his retirement freedom and turned it into a mission to provide a space where anyone in the community can tap into their fitness potential. And let me tell you, he nailed it.

Meet MJ – The Mind Behind Design

MJ’s background as a military veteran shines through in the way he runs his gym. It’s efficient, and well-structured. Instead of kicking back and relaxing post-retirement, he decided to pour his energy into something productive—fitness. His passion for physical well-being is evident in every inch of MFD, from the equipment selection to the layout of the space.

What sets MJ apart is his hands-on approach. Not only did he personally curate this gym with top-of-the-line equipment, but he also put in much needed “elbow grease” himself, He put the dollars where they needed to be, and the sweat equity where it was needed which cumulated into a really nice space that ANY gym owner would be proud. His commitment to providing a quality space for fitness enthusiasts of all levels is undeniable.

The Gym Space – Small but Mighty

I’ve seen a lot of up-and-coming gyms across DFW, and I know what it looks like when a gym operator is just getting started. Many start off renting a space and slowly transforming it into a fitness hub, but MFD hit different. From the moment I actually walked in and stepped foot on the inside, I could tell that MJ wasn’t playing around.

The space is pristine, featuring brand-new, high-quality equipment. The layout is thoughtful, allowing for both individual and group training. The large open-style windows flood the gym with natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. The tall ceilings and excellent ventilation make it a comfortable workout environment, even when you’re pushing your limits. And the cherry on top? A small turf area in the back with an open garage door—perfect for outdoor-style training sessions.

This space isn’t just for personal workouts; it’s ideal for hosting active style events. Think group workouts, or a team-building session, MFD provides the perfect backdrop for quality fitness time.

The Workout Experience – MJ’s Expertise on Display

MJ put me and my small army of iLivFit soldiers through a workout that he curated on the spot. I’ve had my fair share of trainers throw together workouts last-minute, but MJ’s flow felt effortlessly natural and well-prepared. Each segment transitioned smoothly, and he gave just the right amount of recovery time between exercises.

The Man hit us from ALL angles, within a quick 45 session, he had a little bit of everything:

• Group exercises
• Team-based challenges
• A fitness game
• Instructor-led warm-ups
• Nuanced hip-flexor movements
• An outdoor cardio segment
• A proper warm-up and cool-down

It wasn’t over-the-top intense, but it was perfectly structured. The 45-minute session felt more effective than most hour-and-a-half workouts I’ve done. with other trainers. My team wanted more, which is a testament to how engaging and efficient the workout was. Personally, I loved the hip-flexor exercises—functional movements that challenge the body in just the right way.

The Fit Challenge – March Madness, Basketball w/Weights!

One of the highlights of the workout was MJ’s creative “March Madness” basketball-themed challenge. Here’s how it worked:

• We had seven weighted balls.
• We had to shoot each one into a tire.
• If you made it, you “celebrated” with 10 jumping jacks.
• If you missed? You had to push the sled across the gym.
• The challenge continued until every ball was successfully shot into the tire.

This is the kind of fitness challenge I live for—engaging, competitive, and deceptively difficult. It didn’t feel like a traditional workout, yet it worked muscles and stamina like one. And that, my friends, is your Fit Challenge of the Week!

Get creative! Find ways to integrate fitness into your everyday life. Don’t limit your thinking here, Get really really creative. It could be as simple as Taking the stairs instead of the elevator. Turning chores into a speed challenge. Loading the dryer by laying down in front of the dryer, place the clothes above your head, and doing a crunch to launch them in the dryer! (I said get Creative didn’t I!). Doing squats during commercial breaks. Or even making a game out of guessing the Bachelor’s final choice. loser has to do burpees to spell out the name of the losing contestant!

The possibilities are endless, and fitness should always be fun!

Constructive Feedback – A Small Upgrade for an Already Solid Gym

MJ has nearly everything on lock. One of the standout features was his use of a microphone speaker system—something most trainers don’t bother with. However, my only suggestion would be to go ahead and purchase in on a headset or clip-on mic. That way, he doesn’t have to juggle between demonstrating exercises and holding the mic.

The only other small space of curiosity in my mind would be the ability to ramp up the intensity. My team loved the workout but felt they could have gone harder or longer. MJ undoubtedly has the capability to push clients and get them sweating, but I’d like to see how his workouts fare when taken up a notch. MJ gives me the cool uncle vibe. I’d love to kick it with him at the family BBQ, but does he have the gall to push me to my limit for high-intensity, muscle-building sessions? I know he’s a military vet, so I’m guessing somewhere deep down, it’s in there! So, next time, I’d love to put that to the test.

Final Rating – A Near-Perfect Score

This week, I’m giving one of my highest ratings yet—a 4.9 out of 5 stars.

MJ’s workout had variety, creativity, and efficiency. The only slight deduction is for the question of whether the gym could deliver on heavy-hitting muscle-building sessions. But for my more seasoned fitness enthusiasts looking for a well-rounded, engaging workout, MFD is top-tier!

If you’re ever in Mansfield or South Arlington, TX, and need a place to break a sweat, whether solo, with family, or with a small group—GO SEE MJ at MFD. You won’t regret it.

Join Us for an iLivFit Pop-Up Workout!

If you love fitness, variety, and community, come out to one of our iLivFit Pop-Up Workouts! We host sessions nearly every Saturday across the DFW Metroplex. It’s a chance to push yourself, meet new people, and experience different workout styles.

Stay tuned for our next location, and follow our journey as we continue exploring the best of fitness across the country!

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