Here’s everything you need to know about F3 Mint Hill.
It starts at 5:30 a.m.
(But get used to doing things you thought were impossible.)
Ah, the biggest barrier to showing up. We know it sounds crazy-and it sounds weird saying this, but you will come to genuinely love waking up early and getting a jump start on your day.
You’ll also love the time you get to yourself without emails, kids, spouses, and daily life creeping in. F3 is a break from all of that.
It’s a 45 minute boot-camp style workout.
F3 is a a peer-lead, non-professional boot camp-style workout.
Everyday is different (depending on who is leading) but the exercises are typically running, pushups, jumping jacks, burpees, stuff like that — and then occasionally doing something called “Monkey Humpers”, but we don’t want to freak you out.
It’s always outside – usually at a park or school.
We literally meet in parking lots of parks and schools around Mint Hill and East Charlotte. I got to tell you, those places where your kids play and swing look completely different at 5:30 a.m.
A core principle of F3 is that the workouts are always held outdoors. It’s dark, quiet, and wonderful. We call it “The Gloom.”
No one will yell at you. It’s not a competition. It’s just you versus you.
So if you’re imagining a drill Sargent yelling at you to do pushups, you’ve got it all wrong. In fact, it’s pretty much the opposite of that.
The men of F3 Mint Hill are here to encourage you, whatever your ability, age or fitness level.
We have the saying “Leave no man behind, but leave him better than you found him.”
So no yelling. Just the occasional fist bump.
It’s completely free. No strings.
So yeah, F3 is a free mens workout. There is nothing to buy. No up sell, or cult to join. There’s no points or rewards. No affiliate program or multi-level pyramid of recruitment incentives. It’s just simply free.
There is nothing to rent. No one to pay. Just a group of guys that come together at 5:30 a.m. in parking lots around town to work out.
It has nothing to do with religon.
F3 stands for Fitness, Fellowship & Faith®.
The faith thing can be a turn off to some men – so let’s unpack it a little. F3 is not a Christian organization. A lot of men in the group are, but F3 itself has nothing to do with any religion.
We end every workout with a positive thought for the day. It could be a reflection or perspective from whomever is leading the workout. Some may call that a prayer. Whatever you call it, it’s food for the soul.
Our version of faith isn’t to get you to join a church – we just want you to believe in something bigger than yourself. Even if it’s the man next to you.
It’s all ages. There are men from 16 – 64.
F3 is open to all men. We don’t care if you’re in your 20s or 70s, you have a place here. The nature of our workouts is you versus you. No matter your age, F3 will have you push yourself, without hurting yourself.
Besides, there are some 60 year olds in the group who put us all to shame. Respect, Respect.
There are multiple locations.
F3 Mint Hill is held on some of the finest parking lots and parks in our area and we aim to expand throughout Mint Hill and the Charlotte East communities. Our aim is to provide locations approximately a 15-minute drive from your house. That means you can sleep in until 5 a.m.
But I can’t do a _______! I haven’t worked out in years.
Wait, wait. Let me make sure I understand. You can’t do push ups? You’re not a runner? You’re about 50 lbs. overweight? You’ve never worked out in your life and you don’t know how? You’re maybe a little embarrassed by your physical condition?
Perfect. Start tomorrow. There will be other men there in the same boat as you. No one will judge you on your shape — and they won’t try to “motivate you” into shape.
They will just be by your side during the workout, and probably offer you coffee afterwards. You got this.
Free of Charge
Never a fee to attend a workout. Ever.
Open to All Men
No matter the man, you are welcome.
Held Outdoors
Rain or shine. Hot or cold. We are out there.
Peer Led
Men volunteer to lead others in a rotating fashion.
Ends with a Circle of Trust (COT)
Always ends with a circle of trust.
Do I need to bring anything?
There are a few items we’d recommend for your first F3 workout.
Gloves
Your fingertips and palms will thank you. Leather or rubberized-palm work gloves are common. Think something between batting glove and mechanic glove.
Dress for the Conditions
There’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. Wear layers. Wicking materials are recommended. And wash your gear after. It stinks.
“Okay, so how do I try F3?”
You just show up
No forms. No RSVPs. No waivers.
Pick a location around the Mint Hill area, and just show up at 5:25 a.m.