vol. 290 / Black SupermanExploring and celebrating the place we all love to call home.
VOL. 290 / Black Superman
Meet this week’s guest editor, Ishmael Sandiford, an electrical engineer, fitness trainer, and founder of the Fit X Experience. He’s become Richmond’s most-followed trainer on Instagram, known for his high-energy, motivational workouts, mid-range pushups, mind-body coaching, and his “Black Superman” persona.
A chess fan and VCU graduate, Ishmael likes to say that engineering is his passion, but fitness is his lifestyle. He developed a love for exercise early in life, inspired by watching his father run miles in combat boots and train with discipline and persistence. By age 8, Ishmael became a calisthenics advocate, setting goals to perform hundreds of reps every day.
Ishmael’s late older brother, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, lived to 17, far beyond doctors’ expectations. Ishmael credits that journey to his family’s holistic approach to health, and it helped him understand the impact of lifestyle, peace, and fitness on quality of life. He also believes fitness should be sustainable, fun, and built on community, which inspired him to introduce Richmond to the party-style boot camps surging in popularity.
Ishmael has developed a network of expert trainers across the East Coast and learned what makes the boot camp trend so powerful from the Atlanta fitness community. His first class here in February drew 13 people. It caught fire quickly and now sells out at 10 times that attendance. He has served as a featured trainer in D.C., Virginia Beach, Charlotte, and Atlanta, took Fit X to Dogwood Dell this summer, and is planning a full lineup for 2026.
You can still get in on the fun before the year’s out. The next two classes are Nov. 22 and Dec. 13. Details below.
Take it away, Ishmael ...
Art That Stays With You
The new “Giants” exhibit at VMFA is moving, captivating, and something I’m still thinking about. I had the opportunity to hear an inspiring message from Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz at the preview opening party this week. The collection they’ve shared features all kinds of inspiring work from 40 Black artists. As someone who’s boxed and helped train a few boxers, I was especially struck by Gordon Parks’ 1966 photos of Muhammad Ali, and an interpretation of his Sonny Liston knockout in an oil painting by Titus Kaphar. The energy at the party was incredible, with all kinds of Richmonders vibing to the DJ. Everyone will move to music! And I was lucky enough to get some career advice from actress and former model Daphne Maxwell Reid — yes, the Fresh Prince’s mom herself.
True, it’s turkey season. You might think I’m all in as someone born on Thanksgiving. But I’ve never eaten poultry or meat, so I’m not the one to ask for recommendations. Fish? I’m your guy. I recently discovered the Ca Chien Xao Mang at Mekong. It’s crispy rainbow trout that melts in your mouth. Comfort food on a cold night, and sautéed with all the good stuff — onions, peppers and mushrooms. For the soul food version, it’s hard to beat the famous fish at Croaker’s Spot. By the way, you can order a Thanksgiving Holiday Pack that features a whole, herb-roasted salmon filet. My favorite. Plus, get those omega-3s! And if you still need that turkey, Croaker’s other choice is a deep-fried turkey.
A quote that serves as personal inspiration comes from Nelson Mandela: “As we let our light shine, we give other people permission to do the same.” We tend to reflect more on joy, unity, and giving this time of year. And you can get into the spirit with the Dominion Energy GardenFest of Lights, which opened this week to an “Elements” theme — fire, earth, air, water, and a bonus one, love. You can add music at Jazz Night there Nov. 25, 6–8 p.m., with Lucy Kilpatrick and Ken Kellner.
For another holiday warmup — and I’m not sure if my roller-skating will translate — a 2,000-square-foot rink is taking shape for Winter Wonderland at the new Conex RVA. It’s being built by my fitness trainer colleague Brandon Garner and his team. Can’t wait to strap on the skates!
One of my goals when I founded Fit X Experience was to open our doors to nurses and first responders in the community, who can attend free as a small way of saying thanks. We’ve also worked to raise money for the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation and help students at Barack Obama Elementary School. If you’re looking for a few ways to give, here are three:
The Giving Heart Annual Thanksgiving Day Feast, Nov. 27 at the Greater Richmond Convention Center. It’s a free meal for anyone who wants to come. Simply show up to commune with others and show support.
The Giving Wall. A constantly evolving list where you can help vetted people in need with specific items — an urgent phone bill, a household item, a car insurance payment.
For a holiday event that showcases Richmond musicians and raises money for Richmond Triangle Players, consider “A Shockoe Sessions Live! Christmas.” The show features everything from blues to opera, pop, rock, and techno. At The Hippodrome on Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m.
Ishmael invites you to the biggest boot camp in Richmond. It’s for all fitness levels, packed with community, networking, vendors, motivation, and great energy from start to finish. Our year-end finale is Dec. 13, but the next one is on Saturday, Nov. 22 at Iron Legend Gym, 3310 Rosedale Ave., Unit B, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Teachers, nurses, college students, and first responders enter free. Expect top-tier trainers, DJs, and a community that pushes each other to win! Click to see what the boot camp looks like.
