Chesterfield workout group thrives post-pandemic, strengthening community ties

It was over four years ago when Craig Gittelman’s neighbor asked about starting a workout group in their Chesterfield County neighborhood. The pandemic had just begun, and many individuals found themselves isolated and struggling to maintain their physical fitness routines.

“It was the beginning of COVID and one of our neighbors rang me and some of the other neighbors up and said, “Hey, would you be interested in getting together and having some socially distant workouts in driveways in the neighborhood?” And we said, “Sure, yeah, let’s do it,” Gittelman said.

There were no expectations for the participants, they just continued to meet three times a week, occasionally choosing a new driveway to line with weights, mats and towels.

This past June, the group members completed their 500th workout.

“We had no idea that, literally, over four years later, we would still be doing it,” Gittelman said.

Three days a week, the group of 10 to 12 neighbors do CrossFit workouts in the driveways of their Midlothian homes. Ranging in age from 55 to 65, the participants do different exercises like squats, one-arm snatches, curls and more.

As the group members celebrate a milestone, it’s clear that they have achieved more than just physical fitness gains. Gittelman’s wife, Lynn, says she appreciates the camaraderie and the opportunity for social connection at a time when many people were feeling isolated and disconnected from their community.

Brookstone Fit — Three days a week, the group of 10 to 12 Midlothian neighbors do CrossFit workouts in the driveways of their homes. Ranging in age from 55 to 65, the participants do different exercises like squats, one-arm snatches, curls and more.

CHELSEA JACKSON, TIMES-DISPATCH

“I’ve always worked out, but it’s more fun in a group and with friends. So the fact that this group has done it this long is amazing,” Lynn said. “During COVID, this was the saving grace for all of us, you know, because we couldn’t do anything. So this was something we could do socially distanced and be safe.”

Building a true bond, the group has stuck together in sickness and in health. For Brian Ashroth, the group became a support system.

“I was battling Stage 4 lymphoma and the group was very supportive of me when I came back,” he said.

Ashroth’s workout buddies surprised him, making hospital visits, putting up his Christmas lights and even moving workouts to his driveway when he returned so that he could still join in.

“They really helped me get through this. I’m just thankful; I feel grateful to have such great friends and neighbors,” Ashroth said.

Members of the fitness group now dubbed Brookstone Fit, or BFit, not only improved their individual wellness but also strengthened their sense of community and connection with one another. They are sure to snap a photo after each session.

“We have a great group of neighbors who’ve come together to support one another. Some of us have battled some illnesses, some of us have battled some other issues along the way, and we’re here together and still playing pretty hard. So it’s been a lot of fun and all of us are in better shape because of it,” said John Owen.

“It really brought us together. It was just a great opportunity to talk and debrief then. Now, having done it for so many years we’ve had deaths of family members and animals, sicknesses, weddings, celebrations,” Gittelman added. “It’s been really, really good.”