Silverback FITT: Kennedale’s New Fitness Powerhouse You Need to Experience
By Mr. Princess Hicks – “The Better Half” of the iLivFIT Mom & Son Duo
This week in our Fitventure across the fitnessverse, we took another U-turn and landed right back in Kennedale, Texas—and I’m not mad about it. Honestly, it was the perfect detour for me, since it’s practically around the corner from home. The first time we visited Silverback FITT, we came to train with one of our newest trainers and walked away impressed. So impressed, in fact, that we decided to “spin the block” and come back again.
But this wasn’t just any return trip. By pure luck—or maybe fate—our visit lined up perfectly with their Grand Opening. And when I say “Grand,” I’m not exaggerating. The gym was grand, the owner and staff were grand, the people were grand, the vendors were grand… this was a true celebration of strength, community, and hustle. The kind of opening that makes you realize this place isn’t just here to take up space—it’s here to make a statement.
Not Your Average Gym
If you haven’t been keeping up with our adventures, let me break this down for you: Silverback FITT is an authentic, garage-style fitness paradise—but on a scale you’ve probably never imagined. This isn’t your everyday fitness chain with cookie-cutter layouts and the same predictable vibe. This is the steak and potatoes of gyms, but the owner knows how to pour the gravy on thick.
Picture this: you walk into a gritty, old-school garage gym, but then — boom — push the walls out into a massive warehouse-level space. Paint the walls in motivating, adrenaline-pumping colors (yes, that perfect red that keeps you locked in the zone). Paint a tapestry so huge it’s like stepping into another world — a piece of art with its own story that makes you stop mid-step.There’s an energy in the air that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a place where progress isn’t optional—it’s expected.
Then, fill the space with every piece of gym equipment you can imagine. The classics? Check. The modern machines you’ve only seen on Instagram? Check. Unique gear so new you might have to fumble around for a second just to figure it out? Double check. Add to that a large turf strip for functional training, cardio equipment lined up neatly on the side, and — because they thought of everything — a massive locker area to store your stuff.
Oh, and my personal favorite? The 360-degree mirror posing room with low, warm lighting. This isn’t just for bodybuilders; it’s perfect for checking form, seeing muscle definition, and, let’s be honest, admiring the results of all your hard work.
A Grand Opening That Felt Like a Movement
The grand opening event wasn’t just about cutting a ribbon—it was about cementing Silverback FITT as a cornerstone of the Kennedale fitness scene. From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear that this was more than just a gym launch; it was the birth of a community.
Silverback FITT is on a mission to blur the lines between a hardcore bodybuilding environment and a welcoming, all-inclusive fitness space. It’s a bold idea—taking the intensity of a garage gym and marrying it with the accessibility and comfort that appeals to everyday fitness lovers. But after being there, I can tell you: they’re pulling it off.
The culture here is rooted in fellowship, respect, and unity. People aren’t just sweating next to each other; they’re pushing each other forward. There’s this shared understanding that while we all have our individual goals, we’re all climbing the same mountain. And Silverback FITT is building the kind of basecamp that makes the journey feel possible—and exciting.
The Man Behind the Vision
Of course, a space like this doesn’t just appear out of thin air. The mastermind is Marvin “Mac” McMiller—a retired U.S. Marine whose leadership and passion for fitness are woven into every inch of this facility.
Mac’s story is as powerful as the gym he’s built. Born the youngest of six boys in a small South Carolina town, he jumped into adulthood early by joining the military at just 17. Over 27 years of service, he developed a deep belief in the importance of physical readiness. In his eyes, every soldier needed to meet the standard, and he took pride in helping them get there. That passion for physical excellence didn’t fade when he retired—it evolved into a new mission: helping civilians reach their own peak condition.
Mac isn’t just about talk. He’s walked the walk as an National Physique Comittee [NPC] competitor, carrying the kind of physique that could inspire anyone to step up their training. His military discipline shows in the meticulous design of Silverback FITT, where every detail has a purpose—from the way the machines are laid out to the spaces created for recovery and reflection. He’s co-owner alongside his good friend Willie Richardson Jr., and together they’ve built something that’s both rugged and refined—a true reflection of Mac’s journey.
Why You Need to Experience Silverback FITT for Yourself
I’ve been in plenty of gyms during our iLivFIT travels, but Silverback FITT stands out because it’s both ambitious and accessible. You don’t have to be a competitive bodybuilder to belong here, but if that’s your goal, this place will help you get there. And if you’re just starting out? You’ll find the tools, support, and motivation you need to keep going.
It’s rare to find a gym that caters to such a wide range of people without diluting its identity, but Silverback FITT does it. You’ll see seasoned lifters pushing their limits right next to newcomers learning the ropes, and everyone’s treated with the same level of respect and encouragement.
The pricing is just as impressive as the atmosphere—affordable enough that you won’t feel the pinch, but with the kind of amenities and energy you’d expect from a high-end facility. Honestly, if I can get this level of quality for the same price I’d spend fumbling around at a big-box chain gym, the decision is a no-brainer.
Don’t Just Read About It—Go See It
If you’re in the southern sector of DFW and you’ve been looking for the right place to train, stop searching. I’m telling you—this is it. Silverback FITT has everything you could want: space, equipment, community, and a vibe that makes you want to come back day after day.
And here’s the best part: you don’t have to take my word for it. Just walk in and feel it for yourself. Meet Mac. Look around. Take a deep breath and feel that energy hit you. Then pick up some weight and get to work.
You can find them on Instagram at @teamsilverbackfitt or @silverbackfittgym, and they’re on Facebook as Silverback Fitt Gym. Give them a follow, send them a message, and then go see what the buzz is about.
Because here’s the truth: the only regret you’ll have is not starting sooner.
