MIA: Q&A with Anatomy 1220 Body Architect Grant Weeditz

Hailing from Chicago, Illnois, Grant Weeditz has been involved in athletics since his formative years. In 2014, Weeditz got wind that his fitness idol Marc Megna was opening a gym; ready to take the next step in his career, Weeditz reached out to Megna for a position. In November 2014, Weeditz became the first Body Architect to be hired for the soon-to-open Anatomy at 1220, a joint collaboration in Miami Beach from Marc Megna and Chris Paciello.

Weeditz is an intense, motivating force with training philosophies built through his diverse background in fitness. His application of strength and conditioning throughout an individualized training experience displays his ability to adapt to a wide variety of training pursuits and exceed the demands of the client. Calling upon his childhood motivation for movement with a purpose, Weeditz is best known for his sought-after Anatomy Academy Mace classes, featuring unconventional training.
We asked the famed body architect a few questions. Here’s what he had to say:

How did your focus on fitness evolve?
My early days in the fitness industry were spent discovering how and where to apply myself to make the biggest impact possible. Training for bodybuilding shows, strongman competitions, and Spartan races opened my eyes as to what’s out there. With that background, training the best football and baseball stars in the world drew my attention to the sports performance category. These experiences combined with a military background have molded my perspective on fitness to become a safe, yet fun and functional approach to training both clients and group fitness classes.

In November 2014, you became the first Body Architect to be hired for the soon-to-open Anatomy at 1220. How did this come about and how did you feel about the opportunity?
I was nervous at first. As a Midwestern kid coming to south beach, looking for a full time training position had me seriously debating if I was ready for the culture shock and demanding clientele. I first learned of Anatomy co-owner Marc Megna in 2008 while deployed to Iraq. He had a large presence on bodybuilding.com as a fitness personality and author. After returning from overseas and pursing a degree in exercise science, I chose a private sports performance facility in south Florida to perform my senior year internship. While employed there I discovered the plans for Anatomy at 1220. With Marc involved, it was a no brainier for me to reach out to him about [becoming a part of Anatomy]. They weren’t even hiring yet. I interviewed a week later and thankfully got the position.

Tell us a bit about Anatomy 1220 and the environment there:
Anatomy is unlike any gym I’ve ever experienced. The people are the best asset. Genuine and passionate, our staff is the best in the business. After you’re greeted, the most comprehensive fitness and wellness experience is beyond the front desk. The 2-story gym floor layout is beautiful, yet practical; the sanctuary with hot/cold plunged, steam, sauna, and cold room are unmatched in their accessibility and convenience. With IV therapy, massage, chiropractic, and Health Gains assessment and treatment services upstairs within the same building, it is a true one-stop shop for all that is health and wellness. Let’s not forget about the outdoor terrace on the roof where there’s an area to lounge and relax or get a workout in on the turf.You’ve worked with athletes like Miguel Cabrera, Colin Kaepernick, Frank Gore and Giovani Bernard. How is it working with such talented athletes?
Athletes have one goal to focus on during a training session. That’s getting better at their sport. If it doesn’t help them improve then I’m not doing my job. It causes you to step back and consider the how and why behind traditional methods of training and evaluate whether it’s a good idea to bench press with a professional athlete who has to throw a football or baseball for a living. The risk/reward there is much different than a 300lb lineman who needs to train for absolute strength to be better at what he does. Those same considerations make me a better trainer with a client who walks through the door of Anatomy and wants to lose weight, but has knee problems. More than likely, they will not be performing box jumps to accomplish their goal. There are 10,000 other options we have to get fit besides an exercise that will break one’s body down.

What do you think is the biggest challenge for a trainer?
Trainers tend to have a vicious competitive edge amongst each other. It’s a cutthroat industry, in general. That seems to encourage trainers and clients alike to talk negatively about others. Anatomy has an environment that breeds positivity among both trainers and members. We learn from each other, share thoughts and ideas about training and life. It makes everyone better. Marc won’t accept anything less.

What is your greatest strength as a trainer?
The ability to share experiences and knowledge with clients, getting even the most disinterested to learn and understand the ‘how’ and ‘why’ behind what we do. The science behind exercise isn’t always exciting or easy to communicate, but when it can be translated into terms anyone can understand, it allows a deeper understanding and almost always increases effectiveness.

What is it that you like best about what you do?
Often times those I train have certain expectations of me being a good trainer because I am going to “kill” them with a workout. In reality, it’s about showing someone their limit with a specific, defined goal (weight, rep number, advanced exercise), then working up to meet and exceed that goal in a measured, safe method. Those who experience that process will see long-term success in fitness. Others get hurt and left behind because of it. The best thing about my job is getting people to understand that principle.

When training someone, what is your ultimate goal?
Plain and simple, my ultimate goal is to have everyone know what I know.

What are some of your personal goals?
Personally, I am working on continuing education with Onnit Academy and will be attending a Level 2 Steel Mace certification in November. Always looking to learn something new and become more well rounded.

Fun question: What is the most important thing in a gym?
Energy. Whether it’s a good workout jam or other motivated members working hard, a gym with true energy will almost always be a successful gym and an enjoyable place to be. I love Anatomy because of that reason above all else.

1220 20th St, Miami Beach, FL 33139
anatomyat1220.com/