Rise and Grind: Unpacking the Phenomenal Growth of F3 Austin's Brotherhood

F3 Austin PAX in action during an early morning workout.

I. Introduction: What's Shaking (and Sweating) in Austin's Early Mornings?

Imagine a scene: predawn darkness, not the quiet hum of brewing coffee, but a chorus of shouts, of encouragements echoing across a park. Men, figures illuminated by the faintest glimmer of dawn, pushing themselves through burpees and lunges. These aren't paid professionals; these are your neighbors, your fellow Austinites, united not by a shared profession but by a shared commitment... to something more. Welcome to F3 Austin!

More than a mere workout, F3 – Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith – is a national non-profit with a bold ambition: to cultivate male community leaders. It’s a fascinating experiment in male bonding, a counterpoint to the narratives of isolation that often plague modern masculinity.

But why? Why this pre-dawn pilgrimage to sweat and camaraderie? Because somewhere along the line, many men have lost their tribes, their support systems, that innate sense of connection. F3 aims to fill that void, fostering a space where men can challenge themselves physically and mentally, ultimately becoming better fathers, husbands, and citizens.

Today, we’re diving into the heart of F3 Austin, exploring its meteoric rise, its unique culture, and the whispers – both positive and critical – that surround this intriguing phenomenon.

II. The "Gloom" Unpacked: What Makes F3 Austin Tick?

The magic, if you can call it that, happens in the "gloom" – that liminal space between night and day (dark and light). It's where the three F's converge, creating something truly unique.

• Fitness: These aren't your typical gym workouts. They are free, peer-led, bootcamp-style sessions held outdoors, come rain or shine. The beauty lies in its accessibility. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, no one is left behind. It's about pushing your personal limits, not competing with others.
• Fellowship: This is the heart of F3. It's about forging genuine friendships, bonds strengthened in the shared crucible of physical exertion. These relationships extend beyond the gloom, nurtured through social gatherings, shared meals (meatdowns), and even endurance challenges. It's a brotherhood built on mutual support and accountability.
• Faith: This isn't about religious dogma. Instead, it’s a call to live a life of purpose, to dedicate oneself to something larger than personal ambition. It's about character, integrity, and striving to be a better version of oneself.

The inner workings of F3 Austin reveal a fascinating structure. Workouts are led by participants ("Qing"), not certified trainers. There is no corporate oversight, just individuals stepping up to guide and motivate. And after each session, the men gather in a "Circle of Trust" (CoT), a moment of heartfelt sharing and camaraderie. A lexicon of their own binds the group together, from "FNG" (Friendly New Guy) to "fartsacking" (sleeping in, A.K.A., iPhonegate). You even get a nickname. The workouts take place across various "Areas of Operation" (AOs), decentralized across Austin, from neighborhood parks to school fields.

III. From a Spark to a Sweaty Surge: F3 Austin's Growth Story

The F3 movement began in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 2011, the brainchild of "Dredd" and "OBT." Their vision resonated, and the movement quickly spread across the nation.

Austin's story, while perhaps lacking a precise origin date, is one of organic growth fueled by passionate individuals. 

The trajectory has been impressive. The launch of new AOs, such as "AO The Mill" set launch records, is a testament to the growing demand for what F3 offers. The development of a strong Shared Leadership Team (SLT), focused on nurturing each of the three F's, showcases a dedication to long-term sustainability. Even events like the "Q Summit" have become catalysts for growth and unity.

But the real story lies in the individual transformations. Healthier family lives, invigorated communities, and strengthened relationships, are living proof of F3's impact.

IV. The Good, The Grit, and The "Cult-like" Claims: Public Opinion on F3 Austin

The F3 community, or "PAX", sings praises of the organization. They speak of transformative health improvements, the unwavering support of their brothers, and profound mental and emotional gains. The radical accessibility of F3 – open to all men, regardless of fitness level – is also a major draw.

However, the organization has its share of criticisms.

The unique culture, complete with its own lexicon, nicknames, and "Circle of Trust," has, inevitably, led to accusations of being "cult-like." The emphasis on "Faith," while not explicitly religious, has also raised questions, particularly when some groups incorporate prayer or religiously inclined sharing.

Some have pointed out a lack of diversity within certain F3 groups, an issue that perhaps reflects broader societal challenges. The intensity of the workouts, led by peers rather than certified trainers, has also sparked concerns about potential injuries. 

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V. The Road Ahead: What's Next for F3 Austin?

The momentum behind F3 Austin seems unstoppable. The core mission – to "plant, grow, and serve" small workout groups of men for the invigoration of male community leadership– inherently implies continued expansion. The F3 Austin Nantan "P.O." is vocal about the ambition to make F3 Austin a household name throughout the greater Austin area, suggesting a future filled with new AOs and wider reach.

Individual members are also driving growth via posts on Social Media, signs, business cards,  F3 shirts and showing up regularly!

VI. Conclusion: More Than Just a Workout, It's a Movement

F3 Austin has blossomed into a powerful force, a unique blend of rigorous workouts, profound male camaraderie, and personal leadership development. It's changing lives, one early morning "beatdown" at a time, strengthening men physically, mentally, and socially.

Is F3 Austin the answer to modern male isolation? Does it offer a unique blend of challenge and connection that outweighs its controversies? Perhaps the answer lies not in definitive pronouncements but in continued observation, in listening to the voices of both its advocates and its critics.

Ready to shed the "fartsack" and find your F3 name? The gloom awaits.

Everest - F3 Story (published by Impact on behalf of Everest)

 My F3 Story – Everest | AO: Sasquatch | F3 Austin

One morning, I was out running on a trail with my wife when a man called out to me: his name is Impact.

“Free men’s workout!”

I stopped and asked, “What days?”

He said, “Monday, Wednesday, Friday—5:30 AM.”

That moment changed everything.

Since that day, I’ve been part of F3 Austin, showing up at Sasquatch with a group of men who challenge, encourage, and sharpen one another.

They gave me the nickname Everest—because I’m from Nepal, home of the highest peak in the world. But the real summit I’ve been climbing is the one inside myself.

F3 has helped me grow stronger—not just physically, but mentally and spiritually.

It gave me structure, brotherhood, and purpose.

It reminded me that I’m not alone.

I’m proud to be Everest.

I’m proud to show up in the gloom with the men of Sasquatch and other AO groups in the region.

And I’m grateful for that one trail run that led me to this life-changing community.

Thank you, F3 Austin.

#F3Austin #SasquatchAO #EverestF3 #HIM #F3Nation #FitnessFellowshipFaith #IronSharpensIron #FreedToLead #OYO

Rediscovering myself in the gloom

 Written by Hammer Time (submitted by P.O.)

My family and I moved from Arkansas to Texas in August of 2014 - me, my M, 5 y/o daughter, 2 y/o son, 5 week old son, and two dogs. I thought this would be the best move for me and my family, despite having no job lined up for me. Prior to the move, I worked 14 years in a large church - started as a junior high youth pastor, worked as a music pastor/director, and then became the executive pastor. Throughout those 14 years, I also worked for our inner-city church and served our homeless community. It seemed like no matter what I tried, with grit and determination, I succeeded. I had a community. I had influence. I was known. I had purpose. I had drive. I felt like a winner. I had hope, but I worked a lot. When my wife became pregnant with my daughter in 2009, I decided to get my Masters in Social Work to switch careers and hopefully be more present with my family. When I graduated with my masters degree in 2014, we decided to move to the Austin area so I began applying to open positions in the area. I applied for countless jobs (~100), but never received an opportunity to interview with a single one of them! My wife, a nurse, applied for one job, received an interview, and was hired. We had 3 weeks notice to pack up, find a place to live, and move. Once we relocated to Texas, I began applying again. After nearly 50 online applications, I still had no responses for an interview. I began to question my worth, my competence, my experience, and my belief in myself. I was losing and felt like a loser. I wondered why no one seemed to take a chance on me. I had hoped my experience and new degree would open doors, but nothing opened. Two of my best friends in the area told me they would get me a job, but they could not find a job for me either. I finally took a $10/hour job to do what I could to provide for my family. That messed with my brain. I was a married 38 year old with 3 kids, 2 dogs, a mortgage in Arkansas, and rent in Texas making less money than I had when  I was a 23 year old single college student. This scenario has played out year after year, since we moved to Texas. It hasn't felt like the best move for my family.  I’ve never been able to recoup the salary I had in Arkansas, with any company. As a man, the provider of my home, I felt less then. For the first time in my life, I fell into deep, dark depression. I isolated. This used-to-be-people-person would much rather sit at home and stop engaging. I took the lack of employer interest in me personally and did not think I had any value to offer anyone. I felt like a failure. To be honest, I still fight feeling like a failure. There were times driving down I-35 highway that I prayed someone would just swipe me off the road and put an end to the inner turmoil I was in. Over a year ago, while isolating, I began playing Halo. I met a dude on there. A few months ago, while playing with the dude, I felt comfortable enough to share the above journey with him. There was anonymity, so I actually felt safer sharing it. To my surprise he used to live in the area and we shared similar backgrounds. I told him I needed to get back into a community and that I probably should start getting back into shape again. He tells me about F3 and his F3 name, Covenant. He explained to me how F3 started and what it had done for him. He looked online to find an AO near me. This was August 2023. I told him I would go the following week. September 1, 2023, I woke up early and nervous, but determined to go to F3 because I told Covenant I would. I arrived at Sasquatch, walked up to the flags, and told them what my buddy told me to say, “My name is Steve. I’m an FNG and my buddy Covenant from F3-Katy told me about F3 and this location. He said something about Impact being a site Q and Whitehat doing a BD?” I was welcomed quickly and then we circled up and I was on my way to my first F3 experience. I’ll never forget my first gloom workout. Struggling with other men to accomplish a task, laugh along the way, and then chat at the end was strangely satisfying. I found myself exhausted, yet energized too. At the end, I was given the name HammerTime - a handyman and mental health therapist. I am grateful Covenant shared with me about F3. It is truly the highlight of my day. Like many men have shared with me about their F3 experience, I echo it. I came for the workout, but I’m staying for much more. The quality of HIMs I’ve met since September have made a significant impact in my life. I used to be people-person, with passion, purpose, drive, and hope. For many years, I’ve struggled to find the strength to dig deep and rediscover myself. What I’ve come to understand is that I tried to do it alone. Watching the PAX struggle in the gloom and listening to the PAX share their stories andtheir time with me, I am inspired. I can feel myself climbing back to rediscover me. I am honored to share my mornings with HIMs, because I know I am better for it. To the HIMs of Sasquatch, Shootout, and Tigers Den, thank you for pushing me to be a better man than when I first attended.

Without Achievements

Written by Sketch (submitted by P.O.)

Ninja all the fruit, crush all the candy, get 30 headshots with the pistol in one Team
Deathmatch. It’s a good thing WeasleBot can’t track my K/D ratio like Halo did. It’s never been about the achievements. Gamification is meant to keep users plugged in and engaged with whatever app/game/platform they’re pouring their lives into, and yes, have some fun along the way, of course. Beyond keeping PAX engagement up, our achievements are meant to reinforce our mission as well. Plant, Grow, Serve. There’s a reason one of the achievements isn’t ‘Post only with the same 4 PAX each week’. The achievements we have to date serve the first and third F’s directly, but more importantly, they support Fellowship.

The 2nd F, at it’s most basic structure, is the relationship between 2 PAX. To grow the relationship both PAX must build experiences together. With a group of PAX the relationshipis built and experienced collectively.

Recently at Sasquatch, Impact forgot to bring the shovel flags (for the first time ever, no doubt). We ribbed him the entiretime. “You just cursed Disc Jockey’s VQ!?” “Where do we even take the count-o-rama picture?” “Can’t mosey back to Start X, no idea where it is!” Even Piano Man put him on blast in his VQ Preblast: “with FLAGS”. Ha!  The collective experience of laughing throughout the beatdown bonded all 16 of us and I can guarantee we won’t drop it anytime soon.

Moments like that wouldn’t be made, shared, or bonded over as strongly or as frequently if we weren’t chipping away at our achievements. As coincidence would have it, Low Pass and White Hat both earned ‘Holding Down the Fort’ that very same beatdown. Its easy to imagine a world where a nice warm fartsack would’ve called their names instead and they would’ve never known the flags were missing.

I’ve got a lot of social energy that I love to share and I deeply value laughing with friends. That’s what I’m in pursuit of. More shared comedy, more shared joy, more bonding. Achievements are mile markers on the way to long lasting relationships. Without ‘Centurion’ on the horizon, I might’ve missed Primer’s soapy coffee, without ‘Be the Hammer, Not the Nail’, the Liberty Hill police might not have pulled me over in The Green’s parking lot right in front of all the PAX, without ‘Cadre’ there might have never been a Great Motivator Debate. Our pursuit of achievements facilitate the experiences we have together ITG.

Without achievements those moments that bond us together would happen less frequently to fewer PAX and have less impact (although we all could do with a little less ‘Impact’ sometimes ;-) ). And not just the good moments. The serious ones would happen less too. The heartfelt CoTs, the six-sweeping, the CHAD 1000x, the show of solidarity for a San Antonio PAX’s 2.0 going through a heart transplant, and countless more. Consider tackling an achievement you thought might be out of reach. Your efforts might net you some smiles, some warmth, and some fellowship. At the very least, you might help some others net thosetoo. I’m not trying to get preachy, but if I can earn these achievements, so can you.

Thanks for reading - Sketch

gentle impact

F3 Brothers! I've been reflecting a lot lately on something deeply personal, yet universally powerful: purpose. Not the kind you ponder in a quiet moment with a book, but the kind that grabs you by the shoulders (or the balls... of fury) mid-stride, makes you glance at your calendar, your hammer time, your inbox, your family, and ask: "Am I truly doing the work I'm meant to do?"

For me, after years of shared dawns and challenging workouts with you all, it’s become crystal clear: my purpose (personal mission statement) is:

To inspire a positive spiritual impact in this world by serving others.

This wasn't some lightning bolt moment (would never do a beatdown with lightning). Like all the most meaningful things in life – like the bonds forged in the gloom – it's been refined through countless experiences, quiet reflections, one counts, and yes, plenty of trials by fire. What I've come to understand is that I'm a conduit of opportunity. It’s been an incredible privilege to help so many F3 brothers make transformative changes in their lives, whether through a mentoring conversation, a nudge in a new business direction, offering clarity when things felt murky, gentle encouragement to Q, or simply being the right guy at the right time. This isn’t me beating my chest; this is me sharing my fuel source (love language). It’s what reminds me, day in and day out, why I do what I do. And somehow, even after all this time, it still feels like we’re just getting started.

Through our shared journey in F3, I've found three core passions that truly ignite me and where I believe we, as a brotherhood, can make the greatest impact (they really sound familiar):

• Fitness – Because without the energy and health to show up, nothing else truly matters. And we've all seen how the discipline we forge in the gloom spills over into every other facet of our lives.
• Fellowship – The unbreakable bonds we build, the unwavering support we offer each other. This is the bedrock of F3, and it's where true growth and accountability flourish.
• Faith – The deeper conviction that guides our actions and strengthens our resolve, giving meaning to our efforts beyond ourselves.

There's so much more on the horizon, brothers. Both challenges and incredible opportunities are coming fast. It won't all be easy; nothing truly worthwhile ever is, or ever comes without risk. That's just the nature of any powerful, positive shift. But I sincerely believe that the net effect will be overwhelmingly positive. If we stay grounded in our principles, remain curious about what's possible, and act with intention, I truly believe we will unlock a future filled with abundance, creativity, and PAX flourishing on a scale we've never even dreamed of.

It won't be perfect. But it will be possible. And for me, and I hope for you too, that's more than enough to get to work.

So, this is the path I'm on, and I know many of you are walking it with me:

·       To inspire…

·       To lead…

·       To live right and give generously…

Let’s continue to build the F3 Austin future—together.

— Impact

F3 Austin: In Praise of the Weaselbot

 F3 Austin: In Praise of the Weaselbot (Even If It maybe still hates Me)

By your Nantan (with Chatgpt assist for better reading)

Let’s talk about the Weaselbot.

Yes, that Weaselbot....the stats-keeping, star-giving, Slack-happy digital referee powered by PAXminer. It tracks your posts, your Qs, your streaks, and it even hands out cute little “Achievements Unlocked” like it’s a video game for grown men.

And while I love what it encourages....more consistency, more leadership, more community—I’d be lying if I didn’t admit… it didn't and sometimes I feel still doesn't love me back.

In fact, there was a stretch not long ago where I was out there posting regularly, Q’ing workouts, showing up in the gloom and still getting passed over like I was invisible. No credit. No stars. No glory. Even after the fact that I brought it to be apart of our F3 Austin Famm.

Much to the absolute delight of some of the PAX! 

And sure, I could’ve tried to fix it all and back credit me when it started showing me props again. But instead, I watched as the “leaders” of 2023 strutted around with their inflated stats, thinking they’d actually beaten me. (Spoiler: you didn’t. So go ahead and tuck that under your pillow tonight.)

Behind the Curtain

Here’s the deal: The Weaselbot relies on backblasts and the Q tagging the right PAX. Sometimes guys get missed. Sometimes a backblast gets deleted, but the data lives on. Sometimes you get double credit. Sometimes...like me...you get none. I am pretty positive it's happened to a lot of us and even know a few guys who keep personal logs to compare with the Slack stats just to keep it honest. (Respect.)

But let’s not confuse a Slack bot with the ultimate scoreboard. F3 isn’t about flawless tracking...it’s about showing up.

Freed to Lead… Not Freed to Die

Take last few weeks as an example.... Lightning storm rolls in, and a few PAX wisely choose coffee and connection over risking a workout under live wires. Some others found a covered pavilion and got after it. Both groups made a call. Both showed up. Both supported each other.

And yes, some Q's took the liberty to tag the PAX who attended the coffeeteria in a backblast. And yes, they got credit.

So if that rubbed you the wrong way, if it got under your skin that a guy got a "digital star" for posting at a coffee shop.....ask yourself what it is you’re really chasing here.

Stats Are Fun. Brotherhood Is Better.

Don’t get me wrong.... I love the stats. I love the cinderblock trophies. I love the gentle roastings and the friendly competition. You think you can beat me in total Qs this year? Bring it.

But don’t let the scoreboard steal the spirit.

We’re not trying to win F3. We’re trying to lead. To build each other up. To push forward with purpose, whether it’s through a beatdown, a conversation over coffee, or an encouraging word when life hits hard.

So keep tagging. Keep tracking. Keep showing up.

And when the Weaselbot inevitably snubs your post… just smile.

You’re in good company.

SYITG,

– Your (still uncredited) Nantan

F3 Austin 

CSAUP 5/31 - MoonBase - COT

When Primer asked if I could share some heartfelt words during the COT of the Moonbase CSAUP, I was touched and had to say, "yes, of course.". It was a great CSAUP... some asked me to provide what I shared, so no better place than the F3 Austin Blog of Man! Enjoy!

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Good morning, brothers!

As the sun rises and we gather here, pushing ourselves, forging bonds, and sharpening our minds and bodies, I want to talk about something that is woven into the very fabric of F3: leadership.

We often think of leadership as a title, a position, or something reserved for a select few. But in F3, we... know... better. Here, leadership isn't about a badge or a corner office; it's about action, influence, and the relentless pursuit of making yourself and those around you... better.

Think about it. Every single man standing here today, whether you've Q'd a hundred times or it's your first week, possesses the capacity, and I'd strongly argue, the responsibility, to lead.

What does leadership look like in F3?

It looks like the man who pushes the pace, not to show off, but to inspire others to dig deeper. That's leadership in fitness.

It looks like the veteran who slows down to encourage the FNG, sharing a word of advice, or simply offering a hand. That's leadership in fellowship.

It looks like the brother who holds you accountable, not with judgment, but with genuine care, reminding you of your commitments and your potential. That's leadership in faith, in the belief of a better man, a better self.

Leadership here is about showing up consistently, not just for yourself, but for the man beside you. It's about stepping up to Q, even when you're tired or unsure. It's about reaching out to a brother who's gone... silent. It's about being the man you want your sons to become, the husband your wife deserves, the colleague who elevates the team.

And what are the merits of embracing this leadership, Impact - you may ask?

First, there's the impact on yourself. When you choose to lead, you grow. You discover strengths you didn't know you possessed. You build discipline, resilience, and a quiet confidence that radiates beyond the gloom. You become more intentional, more purposeful, and ultimately, a better version of yourself.

Second, and perhaps more profoundly, is the impact on others. Your leadership, however small it may seem, creates a ripple effect. When you inspire one man, he in turn inspires another. When you mentor, you multiply your impact. You are not just building stronger bodies; you are building stronger men, stronger families, stronger communities. You are helping to forge the kind of character that our world desperately needs.

And finally, there's the impact on F3 itself. Our movement thrives on individual leadership. It's what keeps the fire burning, what brings new men into the fold, and what ensures that the principles of fitness, fellowship, and faith continue to transform lives, one gloomy morning at a time.

So, as we finish our CSAUP today, I challenge each of you: Embrace the leader within. Don't wait for a title or a formal invitation. Look for opportunities to serve, to encourage, to push, to inspire. Be present. Be accountable. Be the man who lifts others up.

Leadership isn't a destination; it's a daily choice... it's a daily Red Pill. It's a commitment to being better (1% better), and to helping those around you be better.

Let's continue to lead, brothers. Let's continue to grow. Let's continue to forge.

Onward and upward!