LUTZ, Fla. — When coronavirus hit, a lot of gyms closed down. Some are still not fully back. But, there’s another fitness option.
A growing men’s workout group in Lutz called F3 may have figured it out.
F3 is a nation-wide organization, it stands for fitness, fellowship and faith. The group gets together three days a week at Long Lake Ranch for a sweat-fest.
“We’re bound by five core principles,” said Shaun Helmey, F3 Lutz group member. “We are open to all men. Any shape or size, any fitness level, we welcome them all. Number two, it’s free which is great during this time during COVID.
“Number three, even better, it’s held outdoors rain or shine, heat or cold. You don’t have to go into a gym, don’t have someone barking at you with a clipboard. Peer-led, that’s the fourth core principle," he added. “Every workout is led by a different man. No certification is necessary. Number five we end with a circle of trust. We basically form a circle and talk about what’s going on in our lives. Share any praises or prayers of what’s going on.”
It’s socially-distanced, boot camp style — a lot of bodyweight exercises and cardio.
“Leave no man behind, leave no man where you find them. A lot of the terminology we use is from the military,” Helmey said. “Don’t leave the six behind. The six is the rear. We circle back, pick up the six. Not everyone is in the same fitness level. Some guys will be ahead, some guys will be behind. We talk all the time, it’s not you against another man. It’s you against yourself.”
Fitness is only a part of the organization. The men get together after Saturday workouts with coffee and meet during the week for other activities.
“The biggest thing is to plant, grow, and serve small workout groups like we are at F3 Lutz to invigorate community leadership,” Hemley said. “That’s one thing lacking in our community right now is leaders. We talk all the time about being a HIM, High Impact Man. That’s what we’re trying to do out here at Lutz.”
F3 Lutz meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 5:30 a.m. and Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.
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