F3 New Orleans

Tag: Mahatma

  • One Trick Pony

    YHC generally has one favorite Rock City exercise. So in his first Q in many months, and with many new PAX since then, time was right to break it out again. So 5:30 am, time to start with the running disclaimer (we’ve got places to go, PAX….) and off to the rock pile.

    Warm Up

    • Sllllloooooowwww cadence Windmills x10. Oh look, welcome to the group Marlin.
    • SSH x25. Oh look. welcome to the group FastTax
    • IW x20. That it? I think we’re all here. Any one else rolling in hot?
    • Low Sllllooooowwww Squats x15. Gabrielle decides he only wants to do Slow squats (not the Sllllloooowwww variety) and is usually back to standing position by the 2-count.
    • Slllloooowwww Merkins x15

    Grab a rock

    Rock 11s

    Rocks in a line in the middle of the parking lot. 11s with Burpees and Derkins on opposite sides. Passing the rock towards the Derkins, do 11 Shoulder Presses. Passing the rock the other way, do 11 Curls. Go.

    As usual, this is a good time killer for everyone who’s F3 name doesn’t start with “Mahatm”. For PAX whose names do start with that – its just another day in the park.

    6:00 – time to wrap up to move to the next step. For PAX who didn’t finish – the goal will be to get further the next time YHC does this.

    Leg Times

    After working upper body, time to work the legs. Grab your rock and head to the pavillion.

    • Right Leg Step Ups x15
    • Pai Gow correctly predicts that Left Leg Step Ups are next. x15.
    • Monkey Humpers x25

    Take your friend to go have a seat. In your People’s Chair. Curls x15 while we enjoy our seat. Stand and shake ’em out. Repeat, this time with overhead presses. Shake ’em out. Back to the pavillion for another round through RLSU, LLSU and MH.

    Return Times

    Bring the rocks back home. Head back to the Shovel Flag and Freedom Hammer. On your 6 for some FK and Penguins until the clock hits 6:15am.

    Finish up with counting (up to 19!) and naming (Welcome back Billy Goat – been a while!). Then our announcements (lots of stuff going on – hope to see all the PAX out at the upcoming events). Finish up with our sweaty COT. Thanks for the chance to lead, PAX!

    PS: YHC had grad ambitions of celebrating the 645th anniversary of the largest occurrence of the Dancing Mania (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dancing_mania), when reports have it that upwards of 400 people died in Aachen, Germany, from exhaustion brought on by non-stop dancing and gyrations. The celebration would have included Goofballs, the Side-straddle-hop ridiculousness seen at Okwata, and other exhaustion-inducing exercises. But alas, YHC ran out of time before being able to appropriately test such a workout. Maybe next year for the 646th anniversary.

  • Attack the Mountain

    It was a humid June morning when I arrived at the flag on Friday. After some stretching & some talking, the clock hit 5:30am, and it was time to commence the beatdown. We did a brief jog down the street and then we circled up once we got back to Loyola

    Warm Up:

    • Side straddle hops – 15 in cadence
    • Mountain Climbers – 15 in cadence
    • Grass Grabbers – 15 in cadence
    • Imperial squat walkers – 15 in cadence
    • Arm circles – 10 forward, 10 backward

    The Thang:

    After the warmup, we headed to the mountain & partnered up. Then we proceeded to do the following: Partner 1 runs to the wall & back, while Partner 2 planks & waits. When partner 1 returns, Partner 2 then runs to the wall & back, while Partner 1 planks & waits. Once Partner 2 returns, then both partners run up to the wall together & wait for the rest of the PAX to do the same. Once all the PAX arrived at the wall, I would then call out an exercise for the PAX to do on their own. Once completed, we would repeat the same sequence again & again until we reached the top of the mountain. The exercises that each partner did while waiting for the other partner to complete the run to the wall & back are:

    • Center hand plank
    • Side hand plank on right side
    • Side hand plank on left side
    • Feet 6 inches off the ground
    • Feet 12 inches off the ground
    • Feet 18 inches off the ground
    • Break (no exercise on this round while waiting for the partner to finish the back & forth run)
    • Stationary squat (tree hugger) without using the wall
    • Stationary squat with your back against the wall

    The exercises that the PAX did together when we collectively reached each wall are:

    • Seal Jacks – 20
    • Slow Squats – 20
    • Floyd Mayweathers – 40
    • Burpees – 10
    • Partner Push Ups – 15
    • Rocky Balboas – 40
    • Windmills – 15
    • Plank Jacks – 20 (2 is 1)
    • Jump Overs (one partner planks, while the other partner jumps over him) – 10

    Once we made it to the top of the mountain, we touched the last wall with our partners & then went down the steps to the bottom of the mountain. Once at the bottom, we mosey’d back to the flag for the count-off & name-o-rama. We had an FNG with us this day, and after some deliberation it was determined that he would be named Isobar. After Isobar’s name was solidified, we did the intentions & then closed with the prayer. Thanks for letting me lead, fellas; I enjoyed attacking the mountain with y’all!

  • Brick-a-palooza

    Brick /brik/

    Dictionary.com defines it as a small rectangular block typically made of fired or sun-dried clay, used in building.

    YHC defines it as a small rectangular block to be used in workouts to accentuate the PAX experience

    YHC loaded up the trunk of the car with 40 bricks. Thinking “Well, what if we have more PAX?”, he ran back to the shed and grabbed just a few more. At 06:15, 5 PAX were enjoying some light banter (welcome Lemon, from Birmingham!). No problem, plenty of bricks. 06:20 – a few more stragglers (an El Guapo sighting!). 06:25 – the Lakeview clown car arrives. Now we’re up to 16 PAX. YHC starting to get a bit nervous, but we should be ok.

    But then the sight that is actually quite entertaining to behold… The long stream of headlights of the late-arriving PAX. ROAR (that must be Heisenberg in his tricked-out coupe). Whoosh (there is Triple Shift arriving hot in his tricked-out cycling gear). 06:30 and we have 25 PAX ready to go. Oh well, we will have to modify…

    PAX instructed to go grab a pair bricks from the trunk. Some will be left empty handed, as YHC only had enough for 22. We will make do.

    The Warmup

    Circle up on the Great Lawn. Drop your bricks. Mahatma kindly brings his two bricks to YHC, and joins Hawgcycle brickless in the circle.

    • Windmills – Slllloooooowwwww cadence x10
    • SSH x25.
    • YHC delivers his 2 bricks to the otherwise brickless Organ Grinder. You’re welcome.
    • Brick Arm Circles 10x each direction
    • Peter Parker x20

    The Thang – Part 1

    Partner Up for Dora 1-2-3 (to be modified to Dora 1-1.5-2 to be modified to Dora 1-1.5-as-many-as-you-can-in-the-interest-of-time).

    PAX 1 sprint back and forth across the lawn (with bricks). PAX 2 exercises (with bricks). Flapjack. Continue. Groups with only 1 set of Bricks – make do. Modify.

    • 100 Brick X-Fit Merkins.
    • 200 (became 150) Brick Dying Cockroaches
    • 300 (became 200 became whatever, just keep doing them) Brick Goblet Squats.

    To much chirping from PAX named Gabriel*e, YHC kept adjusting the goal with an eye on the clock. At 06:50 – need to move on to the next workout station. But hydrate first!

    The Thang – Part 2

    Mosey to the baseball field by the refinery for Burpee Brick Shuttle Run (BBSR, and yes – it’s in the Exicon.) Medulla didn’t like being in the sun, so we modified and moved to the shade. YHC is always thinking about the well being of the PAX.

    Partner up again, then split up: PAX 1 on the 1st-base-line-extended. PAX 2 on the imaginary line about 25 yards away. All the bricks stay on the PAX 1 side.

    • PAX 1 planks and waits. And waits. Just keep planking and waiting.
    • PAX 2 does the work: sprint to the other side, get a brick, return and deposit said brick, sprint to get another brick, return and deposit said brick. Then 10x burpees.

    Then PAX 2 hollers to PAX 1, and assumes the Plank and Wait position. PAX 1 then begins the same drill.

    Repeat 3 or 4 times (YHC keeping an eye on the clock. We gots more things to do….)

    The Thang – Part 3

    Refinery. YHC had a carefully organized 6 station set that balanced core/arm/leg. But with now 26 PAX (picking up another disciple of Jesus Juice along the way), groups of 3 made 9 PAX. Deposit all the bricks by the tree. Angie needed to be reminded forcefully, then pointed to the large tree just to his left.

    Oh, but first lets run that nice family with their cute baby and dog out of the refinery. Sure, we could share. If you want to be surrounded by chirping, sweaty, smelly guys. Like Catfish.

    So the 9 stations were far less organized, and not nearly as well staggered. Shrug. Please contact YHC for a refund of your workout fee if you are less than pleased with the workout.

    Burpees x10 (timer), Merkins, Snake Jump/Box Jump, Pull Ups, Big Boy Sit Ups, Dips, Hanging Knee Lifts, 8 Count Body Builder, Floyd Mayweather (with bricks) and Merkins.

    Made it through 1 cycle before the clock beckoned. Mosey back to the Great Lawn.

    The Thang – Closing Time

    YHC said “Mosey to the Peristyle”. Hawgcycle said “But Zoomba is there”. So YHC had to try and audible, and was as unclear and confused as he usually is. The PAX (led by Screw Top, who appears to have left some bricks behind in the interest of promoting his own speed) reached the Great Lawn to discover that the Peristyle was, in fact, available. So YHC re-audibled (un-audibled?) and off to the Peristyle. King Kong seemed to think (incorrectly) that this entitled him to free coffee. Whatever.

    Plank for the 6. Then 2 rounds of Wonder Bra: Assume People Chair against a pillar. Then in cadence (with bricks): Up/Down/Out/In. x20, shake the legs out. Then x15.

    Close up with some Mary (LBC and Penguins). Mosey back to the flag and return the bricks to the trunk.

    (And much to YHC’s surprise, PAX did a fantastic job of carefully arranging said bricks in their containers. Thank you!)

    Closing

    Count-off (26!), Name-o-rama. Naming of the FNG (“Tinker” due to his interesting in tinkering with cars. YHC was not at his best for naming, so will not object if said FNG is subjected to a re-naming at his next appearance).

    Lots of announcements, pay attention to your mail.

    Several intentions, ask all of us to keep the intentions of your fellow PAX present in your own prayer time. Thank you Medulla for specifically calling out blessings for all fathers in our midst. Close with our prayer. Then off to Cafe Navarre for some great F2.

    Thank you all for tolerating, and allowing me to be your Q.

  • Lake Pontchatrain like a champion

    It’s always nice to start the day off with a beatdown on the lakefront. So i issued the disclaimer & we mosey’d to the corner of canal / lakeshore drive to warm up

    WARM UP

    • Side straddle hop – 15 in cadence
    • Mountain climbers – 15 in cadence
    • Arm circles – 10 forward, 10 backwards
    • Concrete grabbers – 15 in cadence

    Next we mosey’d to the concrete planters along the lakefront and we did 11’s with derkins & dips. We started with one dip and 10 derkins, and then worked our way down to 10 dips and 1 derkin. Screw Top & Mahatma were leading the charge.

    Once the 11’s were completed, we mosey’d back to the corner of canal / lakeshore drive and did 2 laps of the following:

    • Run backwards up the concrete part of the levee
    • sprint across the center
    • run down the other side of the concrete levee
    • then when you reached the starting point, you would then do 25 LBC’s

    Next we mosey’d across the street by the lake. We partnered up and then we did 3 sets of sprints:

    • Sprint 1 – sprint to the first light pole and back (about 20 yards) while the other partner planks and waits. When partner one gets back, partner two then sprints to the first light pole & back while partner one planks and waits
    • Sprint 2 – sprint to the second light pole and back (about 40 yards) using same plank & wait technique as first sprint
    • Sprint 3 – sprint to the third light pole and back (about 60 yards) using the same plank and wait technique as the previous 2 sprints

    After the sprints were done, we mosey’d back to the flag for the count-off, name-o-rama, announcements, intentions & prayer. Thanks, as always, for the opportunity to lead, fellas. I enjoy it more each time!

  • NAME-O-RAMA

    NAME-O-RAMA

    YHC has been on the sidelines with a shoulder injury for the last couple of months, so he had plenty of time to plan for this particular workout at his beloved Popeyes. So as 10 men arrived in the sweaty, gloom it was time to roll at 5:30am. sharp. Wait….an FNG arrived at 5:31, so the Pax took off at 5:32.

    The Warm-Up

    YHC led the Pax on a short mosey to do a standard warm-up

    SSH -25

    Imperial Walkers – 20

    Shoulder Taps – 15 (should have been prepared for shoulder taps to aggravate my shoulder injury, but alas)

    Side lunges – 15 (someone needs to come up with a good F3 name for this exercise)

    Hillbillies – 20

    The Thang

    YHC saw another F3 Pax on Twitter spell their F3 names using an exercise to represent each letter. Since he had plenty of time between Qs, YHC made up his own version of the NAME-O-RAMA . Each Pax would do the exercises corresponding to the letters of his name. Once finished, the Pax with shorter names would find members with longer names and help them finish. All of the vowels were running exercises (in hindsight I should have come up with a better system to cut down on the amount of long runs. I hit 3.2 miles and I think other members ran longer than I did). It would have been nice to see the Reluctant Yankee here this morning.

    Check out the featured image of this post to see the whole alphabet and bring this to the other AOs in NOLA.

    YHC’s morning workout as an example:

    R- 20 Pull-ups E- Run to the F3 Flag and back V- 50 Big Boy Sit-ups S- 20 Burpees O – Run to the top of the bleachers X – 30 Box Jumps YHC then did another E – Run to the F3 Flag and back to hit Hokie Pokey’s last E.

    The runs were too long, so not every Pax finished and YHC committed one of the seven deadly sins of F3 by running the Pax back to the flag at 6:18am.

    The Close

    COUNTERAMA, NAME-O-RAMA, and the Pax named two FNGS. Chips’ 2.0 was named Frito Lays, and we also welcomed Voyeur into our ranks. Sweaty-Ball-O-Man lifted our prayers and thanksgiving to the King calling for mercy to our family and F3NOLA members in need and asking God to empower us to be the men He desires us to be.

  • First Timer at Okwata

    It wasn’t how YHC planned. It just sort of happened.  Nonetheless, YHC arrived at Okwata in the Lakeview Clown Car on a bright morning, devoid of gloom, ready to lead 16 PAX.

    Disclaimer issued and a quick mosey to warmup:

    SSH x 15 IC
    Hill Billies x 15 IC
    Arm Circles x 15 IC
    Mountain Climbers x 15 IC

    The Workout

    Run up the levee at Canal, sprint across the grass median, run back down, complete 5 burpees. Rinse and repeat with 4 burpees down to 0 burpees.

    YHC wasn’t thrilled with the sprinting effort, so penalty Bernies were issued. Two rounds of the above with Bernies up the hill, with sets of 5 and 4 burpees respectively. 

    Part 2

    Mosey to benches, 16 PAX, 2 per bench:

    Floyd Mayweather x 20 
    Low Slow Squats x 20
    LBC x 20
    Merkins x 20
    Lunges x 20
    Dips x 20
    Step ups x 20
    Derkins x 20

    Repeat for 10 each

    At 6:11 we moseyed back for the usual formalities.  Thanks to all who came out to my VQ and gave me the opportunity to lead. 

  • Rumble with the MotherShip Marauders

    What a blessing to be standing in the early morning Summertime bright gloom for a Saturday MuscleShip adventure through the park. 7 Pax gathered a short disclaimer of self awareness of safety and effort was given and the fun began.

    Mosey to the baby foundry – along our route we picked up Grimace so QIC was happy with an even number for partner workouts planned. We circle up for a quick warm up:

    Slow toe touches with a hold at the bottom x 10

    Slow right leg lunch with a hold x 5 – repeat left leg x 5

    SSH x 20

    Michael Phelps x 10

    Peter Parkers x 15

    Partner up – Pax moved over to the pull up bars – idea was every Pax was to complete 10 dead hang pull ups with a spot from their partner. QIC noticed at the recent Murph, most (including the QIC) would resort to short-arming pullups especially as we got tired.  Using a spot helps work on form, confidence and strength.  After the 1st set each, PAX would do 20 LBCs or WWII sit ups, then repeat.

    Mosey over to the block pile (QIC came prepared, dropping off cones prior to meeting at AO), we only had 8 and there was a plan to use the tires (that have surprisingly be left untouched by City Park staff). As the MuscleShip Pax was focused on getting our gear in place and the “workout” task ahead, who should arrive but a group of unruly marauders of the Mothership, asserting claim to all the blocks and open space for themselves.  They attempted to intimidate the smaller Pax of 8 yet, QIC felt confident in our ability to out perform even the loudest chirping Cotter from their group.  Most had a hard time staying focused on their workout as they watched in awe of the sweat generating effort the MuscleShip Pax of 8.

    The Thang on Display –

    Two groups of partners (4 Pax) – 2 large tires.

    One Pax on his back leg pressing the tire while the partner stood in the tire adding extra weight. This did take some balance and coordination – lagniappe to the work.

    Each Pax did 50 leg presses and 25 chest press – flip flop.

    The other group of 4 –

    Pax 1 farmer carry blocks from one end of cones to the next, while Pax 2 does Squat Press – as Pax 1 is on his way back switch to prisoner overhead squat press.

    Flip Flop

    Now All 4 Pax lined up at cones did one push up on the block – 2 Over Head Lunge – 2 push ups with 4 Over Head Lunge – 3 push ups with 6 Over Head Lunge until reaching the other end of cones, RUN back with block over head. Rinse and Repeat.

    Finally – block around the trunk – PAX partners standing back to back pass the block x 10 each direction.

    FLIP FLOP with the PAX on the Tires.

    NOTE: MotherShip Marauders midway through seeing this beatdown effort couldn’t “stand” around any longer so they quietly returned their blocks and moseyed off to “Merryland”……to be seen again later at coffeteria!   Great stories of workout beatdowns were shared along with “catfishing” tales.

    MuscleShip Pax returned out gear (blocks and tires) yet still had something left in the tank…..so behind the pace of GreenScreen we headed back to the Museum fountain.

    20 incline merkins followed by 7 in unison inchworm burpees.

    Mosey over to the tree field for some core:

    1 minute low plank

    1 minute of scoops

    1 minute of flutter kicks

    1 minute of high plank

    1 minute of stretching

    The mission was accomplished!

    COT – After namorama and prayer of thanks giving – the PAX broke for the day!

    I’m grateful to have the opportunity to lead as well as the camaraderie that comes with being an F3 brother. We hold a bond of accountability – even when meeting up with (or at times being) Marauders!

  • 21’s at the Muscleship

    YHC saw the previous week that the Mucsleship did not have a Q and took the opportunity Q his first visit to the Muscleship.  Quick disclaimer was given and warm up.

    Warm-Up

    Smurf Jacks x 21

    Imperial Walkers x 21 (the PAX quickly saw a theme but were incorrect YHC did not hit the black jack tables the night before)

    Seal Jacks x 21

    Grass Grabbers x 21

    Wind Mills x 21

    21’s – I had seen this in a back blast from Fracsac not long ago and saw it at the top of the exercise list on the F3 website.  SSH were the exercise of choice and this a more of a mental test than physical test.  YHC would count in cadence to 5 and then the PAX would have to count in their head and stop right at 21.  If the PAX stopped before or after YHC there would be a penalty.  To my surprise our attempt at this was a success and no penalty was levied.

    Bear Crawl Ring of Fire

    PAX remained circled up and bear crawled in a circle until YHC said stop and then YHC did 10 merkins while the PAX planked and once each PAX completed 10 merkins the bear crawled continued.  Two rounds was enough to get the juices flowing.

    Thang 1

    Dirty McDuce

    Round 1

    Derkins x 12

    Right Leg Step Ups x 12

    Dying Cockroach x 12

    Lap around the museum

    Round 2

    Shoulder Taps x12

    Left Leg Step Ups x 12

    Russian Twists x 12

    Lap around the museum (during which YHC was advised by Frac that there should have been a penalty on the 21’s as Screw Top finished after YHC, turns out my back was to Screw Top and missed him finishing late.  We will tests the group one the 21’s again later).

    Round 3

    Irkins x 12

    Squats x 12

    Freddie Mercuries x 12

    Lap around the museum

    Round 4

    Floyd Mayweahter’s x 12

    Box Jumps x 12

    Hello Dolly x12

    Lap around the museum

    Thang 2

    Good ole Route 66

    1 Burpee at tree one and lunge walk to tree two

    2 Burpee’s at tree two and lunge walk to tree three

    And repeat until we hit tree 11 for 11 Burpee’s

    Now that everyone’s was gas tank was approaching empty YHC decided to once again test the mental strength of the group and we revisited the 21 exercise.  This time keeping a close eye on Screw Top who was clearly focused on the task at hand but could not match YHC cadence.  I will take the blame for that but alas this time a penalty of 10 Burpee’s was levied to the group.

    Thang 3

    Hurricane Hoedown

    This consist of 7 rounds of 4 variations on flutter kicks with each round reducing the count by 1.

    Each round we did the following flutter kicks: hands raised, hands out in front, on your elbows and then standard flutter kick.

    The PAX assisted YHC with someone taking a round.

    Last of the exercise was two rounds of merkin ring of fire with each PAX doing 10 merkins and planking while the others completed their merkins.

    With a little time on the clock YHC thought it would be a good idea to do some stretching when Kenna Brah volunteered to lead the stretching.  We will spare the details but it will be a long time before YHC entrusts Kenna Brah to close out the workout with some “good stretches.” 

    COT

    Count O Rama, Name O Rama, announcements, intentions and prayer.  As always it is an honor to lead and workout with the F3 brotherhood.  SYITG.

  • Rolling Stones

    Since the Rolling Stones didn’t get to play Jazz Fest, it was only appropriate to pay them homage. Not to mention, Rudy was back from “surgery”, kind of like Mick Jagger. Did you see Jagger’s dance moves after heart surgery? Yeah, we didn’t get that from Rudy today.

    Warmup:
    Side straddle hop
    Wind mills
    Grass grabbers
    Low slow squats
    Mountain climbers
    Peter Parkers 
    Box cutters
    Flutter kicks
    Arm circles

    Workout:

    Head to the Football field with rocks

    Throw your rock for 25 yards, then do 40 reps, throw 25 yards, 30 reps, throw 25 yards, 20 reps, throw 25 yards, 10 reps.

    Do the above set for each of these:

    Triceps
    Curls
    Rows
    Presses
    Squats

    Suicide run back to opposite end zone

     

  • Creating Some Steam

    After traveling for 2 weeks hitting AOs in Houston and Phoenix, I was looking forward to being back with my local brothers. After Saturday’s beat down, QIC was reviewing the sign up sheet and saw a need…..so on this balmy morning of gloom it’s time to create some steam!

    After disclaimer given – mosey off to warm up! Pax ran to the block pile each Pax grabbed two then headed to field and circled up:

    • Toe Touch and Hold 3 count x 10
    • Side lung left and right x 10
    • Peter Parkers x 10
    • Scorpion Kicks Right and Left x 10
    • With Block Overhead Press x 20
    • With Block Low Slow Toe Hoover hold 10 count x 10

    Pax separated into 4 groups then each group headed to starting point form a line; one arm bear crawl block drag across the field Left Arm Out then Right Arm Back – Aprox 4 yards each way.

    Next Same Groups lined up for relay – Pax 1 farmer carry 2 blocks across the field while Pax 2 bear crawled behind, Pax 3 farmer carry while Pax 4 bear crawled – swap rolls on the way back.

    Next relay same groups (now with penalty incurred by last place team) Pax 1&2 on one side Pax 3&4 on the other.  Pax 1 ran with block overhead to other end of field while all other Pax overhead pressed blocks, Pax 3 ran the opposite direction while others in group continued to press, then Pax 2 ran, then pax 4.  All ran with block overhead and others in group pressing.

    Next relay same run across the field – this time all in group curling

    Next relay same run across the field – this time all chest pressing

    Now groups 1&2 combined (group of 8) with 3&4 combined (group of 9) – one block each group with passed via Indian Plank across the field approx. 80 yards – team 1&2 losing team 5 burpees.

    Same teams switch sides – this time it was a photo finish – but team 1&2 redeemed themselves with 3&4 doing 7 burpees and 3 to 1&2 for the oh so close win!

    Return our blocks – Mosey back to the flag – 1 minute stretch!

    COT – F3 is a true brotherhood in that our spirit is carried over to all states and cities and I’m grateful to the ability to workout on the road.  It was nice to have Redeye from The Woodlands TX join us for the beatdown as I’ve gotten many with their group while on the road. 

    Thanks for the opportunity to lead!