Founder, Head TRAINER & COACH, Big-Picture Thinker, & Visionary of The Art of Fitness NC.

Coach Marcus McGruder grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and played in every game placed in front of him; showing an early affinity for sports, team strategy, and fitness. Having to choose between basketball and football his sophomore year in High School, he chose to pursue football. A good decision that lead him to a full scholarship offer to Wake Forest University. A four-year Division I starter from 2001-2005, he graduated with honors in 2005, and then set off to play professional football. Marcus made a life-changing decision to pursue personal training when his football journey ended abrutly and unexpectedly. Through personal hardship and career pivots he learned to shift his perspective; Seeking and finding the positive, constructive and purpose-driven lesson during this time. Marcus decided to pursue a career guided by his purpose, where he could share his life experience, expertise, and passion by help others overcome and elevate their own lives… every day of his life.

With over two decades in the fitness industry, Marcus has coached alongside a broad scope of athletic and executive coaches - from the high school, to college level and professional sports. Honing his skills through implementing various training techniques and performance enhancing drills, his personal mission is to continue to pursue excellence in the coaching arena, and exceed his clients’ expectations.

Marcus not only trains elite collegiate and school-aged athletes,  he very much values the movement perspectives and the expertise he has also gained to tailor training to each, unique individual from age 4-100; from personal one-on-one training, to large, and small groups… and help everyone he connects with achieve the best results for their desired purpose and lifestyle.