A new fitness facility is set to open at Roundabout Plaza, providing a modern gym experience for the Louisa and Lake Anna community. Lake Anna Barbell & Fitness Center (The LAB), owned by local entrepreneurs Brandon Bridges and Aaron Aponte, will be a 24/7 gym offering a wide range of equipment, classes, and personal training services in a welcoming, all-inclusive environment.

Brandon and Aaron, both fitness enthusiasts, met while working out and bonded over the idea of creating a gym tailored to the needs of their community. “We realized this area needed a bigger, better-equipped gym that could support everyone—from retirees to student-athletes,” Brandon said. “After two years of planning and collaboration with great partners like Jon and Stephanie Koren, we’re finally breaking ground.”

The 5,000-square-foot facility will include cardio equipment, weight machines, free weights, and dedicated spaces for group classes and personal training. Full locker rooms with showers will also be available. One key focus of The LAB is supporting Louisa County High School student-athletes, providing them with additional access to high-quality training facilities.

Brandon, a Greene County native and U.S. Army veteran who served as a Special Forces Green Beret, brings leadership and a passion for fitness to the business. He holds a business administration degree from Bridgewater College and currently works for the federal government while raising his family with his wife Cheryl and their two young children, Olivia (2) and Jack (1).

“We want to create a gym where everyone feels welcome and can see real results,” Brandon said. “With trainers and coaches, we’ll make sure members stay on track to meet their goals.”

Aaron, a 2020 graduate of Louisa County High School, is a decorated athlete with numerous accolades under his belt including Honorable Mention All-Decade Defense selection for Central Virginia and Falcon Club Defensive Player of the Year award.

“During this process, we’ve had no other option than to keep pushing through and preparing for the gym while waiting for everything to come together,” Brandon explained. “It’s been a long journey, but we’ve managed to make the most of it. We’ve already acquired 80% of the equipment, which is currently scattered across various storage spots—my garage, Aaron’s family’s land, a shipping container, my father-in-law’s house, and even with friends. We’ve been able to take our time, find better deals, and secure higher-quality equipment than we originally expected.” He added with a laugh, “My wife will be thrilled when she gets the garage back again. Right now, it’s packed so tightly that even I can’t work out at home.”
This patient and resourceful approach has allowed the team to focus on delivering a gym equipped with the best tools to meet their members’ needs while maintaining a strong sense of community and commitment to quality.

Set to open in summer or fall of next year, The LAB will offer memberships as well as day and week passes for visitors. The gym will be designed to serve the entire community and create a space where health and fitness are accessible to all. To stay updated, follow Lake Anna Barbell on Facebook.

Jen Bailey

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