By Victoria Pera
Herald Intern
F3 is a network of free workout groups for men that emphasizes physical fitness, community, and leadership development. F3 stands for “Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith” and these peer-led workouts occur in 415 different regions, Sanford being one of them.
F3 (NEO) is the Northeast Orlando fitness group, and they call themselves, “The Bokey.” Their workouts start as early as five in the morning and they happen outside – rain or shine. According to the F3 fitness group website, all F3 men always hold these five key principles.
1. Free of Charge- Never pay to workout, ever.
2. Open to all Men- No matter the man, you are welcome here.
3. Held Outdoors- Rain or shine, hot or cold, we are out there.
4. Peer Led- Rotating fashion of men leading each other.
5. Ends with a COT- Always ends with a Circle of Trust.
Looking at the group’s history on their site, F3 started in 2011 in Charlotte, North Carolina. It has grown to more than 46 states and 3,400+ scheduled workouts each week. Some would say the faith part of the name would stand for religion, but on their site, they specify the part of faith stands for simply believing in something bigger than yourself.
Some of the workouts done outside include a mix of bodyweight exercises like burpees, push-ups, squats, lunges, mountain climbers, planks, and much more. This is often done in a bootcamp style with a focus on high intensity.
Will Cannon is the communications lead for F3, and he joined in Jan. of 2023. Cannon spoke about the ultimate goal of the fitness group.
“So, even though we get together through workouts, our ultimate mission is really to just create leaders within our group. We use fitness as a kind of a model. If you’re able to lead a workout you know, you might be able to become a leader in your own life, whether that be at home, at work, or in the community,” said Cannon.
Cannon talked about the meaning of the circle of trust at the end of every session.
“We circle up at the end of the workout and we announce who we are. We count how many of us are present, and we see any announcements that we want to share with the group, or any thoughts or prayers. It’s based on everybody’s comfortability level if they want to share with the group or not,” said Cannon.
Cannon continued to add that on top of working out with other people, you inevitably make some good friendships.
“These are guys that, you just develop that fellowship and friendship. We have each other’s phone numbers, and they’re guys that I know I could just text anytime of day, if we ever just want to talk or meet up. They are reliable guys that are totally in,” said Cannon.
Community outreach is also a priority for this fitness group. Cannon said once a quarter, F3 (NEO) cleans some of the streets of Sanford by picking up trash. He also said that in the past, the fitness group had helped clean, fix and revitalize a house for domestically abused women.
James Emerson talked about his life since joining F3 (NEO).
“Since I started, you know, I’ve lost weight. I’ve gotten in much better shape and I’ve been more accountable at getting up early so I can work out,” said Emerson.
Emerson digs deep when explaining how the F3 group inevitably becomes a vulnerable and open space. He said, after working out side by side for an hour, because they are exhausted, it is easier to let your guard down. Especially, after they have been pulling for each other and motivating one another to hit their physical and mental limits.
The most important thing about this group is not just fitness for Emerson, but also fellowship.
“I speak for myself and I know I speak for many of the members of the group, is that you come on the first day for the fitness right? You’re showing up because you want to get in shape, do some exercise, and then you find out about the second F. The second F is for fellowship. You find out that it’s a great group of guys, and you meet so many friends, and that’s the reason you stay. So, you come for the fitness, and you stay for the fellowship, I think,” said Emerson.
If any men would like to try F3 training in the new year, you can find the workout schedule and location on their website, https://www.f3neo.com/.
