Testimonials

Ken N - Ace

My story begins with a herniated disk at the L4/L5 of my spine.  I was laying on the floor of our Christmas vacation house in the Villages, FL, crying and moaning because I couldn’t take the pain.  My back pain was super incredible.  Even worse, the disk was also pressing against a nerve, causing excruciating sciatic pain from my thigh to my left foot, with intermittent numbness in the left toes.  Back in November, my back doctor had prescribed steroids, pain meds and physical therapy.  But nothing was helping, even as I was maxing out on pain pills.     I prayed to God, asking for His Help!

The first week of January, I received an epidural steroid injection directly to the L5.  However, the relief only lasted one day.  The sciatic pain came back more severely, and now I was having weakness while walking.  I continued physical therapy, but nothing was helping.  

A couple weeks later, I was surfing the web and came across an article from Link KY, titled “F3: The fellowship-driven fitness program for men in N.Ky.”   I was intrigued.  Yet, a lot of thoughts went through my mind – these men look intense, I’m not good enough, I hurt too much, I’d just slow them down, I failed at the gym before, would I fail again? – basically a bunch of negative thoughts.  Yet, the whole F3 concept was so different than anything I had ever done.  Suspecting that God was opening up help, I figured it was worth a shot.   

So, on Tuesday, January 30, I went to my first “beatdown”.  I weighed 317 pounds, was loaded up with double doses of Ibuprofen and Gabapentin, and still couldn’t move without pain.   They assigned me a “battle buddy” who is way more fit than I, but yet so supportive and didn’t leave me behind.  Every exercise was explained and I was encouraged to push myself, not hurt myself.  We ended that night with a devotional, and I felt God’s special touch.  I had survived my first 45-minute workout!   The next day I was sore from the muscles, but I felt enthused that I had survived!  So, I went back on Thursday, then on Saturday, then the next week, and the week after that, and I was hooked.  And great things started happening!  I was breathing better, felt my blood pressure improving, and was improving range of motion.  I realized that F3 was far better than physical therapy.  I realized these men had my back!  Pun intended!   

On Valentine’s Day, my weight was down 12 pounds, my strength had increased, and my sciatic pain was cut in half.   I was gaining muscle and stamina, building core strength, and was feeling the transformation.

On March 28, about 3 months after starting F3, I led my first beatdown.  It was exhilarating to be strong enough to lead, and to hear other men grunting during the beatdown!  No more negative thoughts for me!

 On April 11, I led a beatdown for my second time.  What joy to hear my original battle buddy tell me that I lead a “seriously awesome beatdown.”  My body has been healing and growing strong enough to push other men to their better selves!   And as I’m writing these words, I have zero sciatic pain and zero back pain!   

There is so much gratitude in my heart for having met these F3 men!  True enough, the Fitness, Fellowship, & Faith comes through – where we leave no man behind, and we leave no man where we found him.    My success in F3 is because of the men in F3.  As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another – that is F3 to me!   Come be part of this, you’ll be a better man for it!

Dan S- Forrest Gump

Early summer 2023 I was walking with my walking buddies in President Park and got approached by these guys saying come join us.  After three tries I planned on attending a workout the following Saturday morning.  I went to my first workout looking for a routine to improve my flexibility. I had no idea what the workout routine was or anything about F3. I am so glad I took the chance and committed to F3 NKY.  This group has given me a chance to increase my faith in God. The F3 NKY workouts are for all men we have teenage sons to men in their 70’s. What a joy to mentor and be mentored by these great guys. What is so great is the accountability and welcoming you get from these workouts. I was so glad I took the challenge and came to a workout.   I feel F3NKY has enriched my life with an outlet to improve my faith, fitness and fellowship with everyone.   Please consider coming to a F3 workout and see how it can change your life to be a better man. 

Tony U – Monk

Early Spring 2023 was a low point for me. Work struggles, recluse at home and in the worst shape of mylife. During the  day I would run errands taking me  up and down Dudley Rd in Edgewood where  I noticed signs at the entrance  to Presidents Park. FREE MENS WORKOUT Must be a bait and switch situation. Come “workout” only to get sold something you weren’t interested in. With that firmly planted in my mind the errands continued for weeks and the signs became part of the landscape. My situation continued to deteriorate. April 18, 2023 my wife read a  post from the Edgewood Facebook group about a  free workout in Presidents Park. I quickly realized this was the same offer as the signs along Dudley Rd and blew  it off.  My wife read the post to me which detailed  the reason  for the  gathering; Fitness, Fellowship and Faith. Men gathering to challenge each other physically, mentally, and spiritually. I couldn’t deny the desire to get out there and  join this group, but my poor physical condition and lack of connections to the  group made me want  to say no.  I discussed it  with my wife  and decided that Tuesday April 20, 2023 I would show  up to  see what  this F3  thing was about. When I arrived at the first  workout (Beatdown or BD)  I was greeted by  men with names like,  Billboard, Soprano,  Clip-on, and  Butter. The only gear was a Coupon (cinder block). I was welcomed in and off we went. The workout was all over  the park and I could only do a quarter of what was called out. Towards the end I sat on a hill near the band shelter  out of breath, seeing stars, and ready  to pass out. Soprano sat down with me and offered his sports drink and Clip-op refilled the bottle from the fountain after I downed it. We got up and walked back to the cars. Completely destroyed physically, embarrassed over my lack of ability,  and in need of  water, lots of water; but looking forward to the next time. I received my F3  name and never  looked back. The  Free Men's Workout  was truly a gift from God and exactly what I needed.  Little did I know what He had planned for me in the next nine months that would prove how providential F3 was and is. During the next six months I continued to show up regularly and even brought our 14 year old son, F3 name,  Chip. Home life improved and my physical abilities ramped up quickly. I  began leading beatdowns and attending extra events the group planned. Right before the six-month mark from beginning F3, I lost my job. The guys knew that things were sketchy with my employer and that I might be  let go. Once it happened, I continued to show up for  about two weeks and then the slide began.  I slowly  stopped showing up and struggled to get motivated for exercise and job hunting.  My F3 brothers checked on  me regularly, offered network connections, and any resources they had to help the process and keep me going. Then  I stopped  working out altogether for six weeks, but the F3 guys never stopped working on me. Guys offered experience and resources to help me get off the ground and manage the process. They shared key network connections that were crucial to getting me motivated and ultimately finding a new role. Others offered potential leads and places to look if  I needed something quick to cover bills and insurance. Even better, I knew they were all praying for me and my family the whole time.  After 3 months I landed a great opportunity and the  celebration began.  From the beginning F3 was a skillfully woven piece of God’s plan in my life and served  a greater purpose than I ever could have imagined. F3 is NOT a replacement for the gym, it’s far beyond that. I don’t  have the time nor the words to  describe all it encompasses, so come out and see for yourself.

Monk out!

Carl G - Pappy

By chance, F3 came to me through a magazine article in Men's Health in 2018.  I was in the process of uprooting my family and relocating from Florence KY to the Houston TX area for a new job.  I knew this would be a very stressful time and was seeking ways to get connected with others and a community beyond my new work to help with this transition.  While on a flight to Houston, I read the article and it spoke to me, pushing me to give it a try.  After I landed in Houston and went to my hotel that night, I found the F3 Nation website, emailed with my interest and thought I would hear back in days or weeks later.  Thirty minutes later I had an email response from the local Houston F3 region and was on the phone with them very shortly thereafter.  A workout was taking place the next morning only minutes from my hotel.  My faith and belief and in a divine higher power led me to realize later that this was no "by chance" encounter.

I was blown away with how I was welcomed openly by men I had never met before.  They were notified I was coming, on the lookout for me and had the equipment needed for me to fully participate the first time.  I instantly felt the impact of the draw to get fit "Fitness", the bond of men working and sweating it out together "Fellowship", and the feeling that is hard to explain where these men would be there for me and not let me fall behind through a higher power "Faith".  I was hooked from the first time.  I went to my first social event happy hour with the guys that week and immediately made some strong friendships with other men who would later support me when the stresses of the relocation and high pressure job drug me down.  They recognized this before I did and picked me up letting me know they had my back.  This made me stronger for myself, my family and those around me that wouldn't have been possible without them.

I returned to the Northern KY area in early 2020 and saw the need to bring F3 to men in this area.  With the help of the Cincinnati F3 men, we launched our first workout location in March 2021.  Since then, we've built our own region in Northern KY and I'm honored to lead some of the best men I've ever known as their Nant'an (F3 lingo for leader).  In less than a year (as of Jan 2024), we've grown from 1 location to 4 locations with 8 workouts per week.  I'm so proud and impressed with the men who've joined our ranks who are helping to build up F3 here bringing this gift to more men.  We are open and ready to bring many more men to our ranks.  I also travel frequently for my job and always try to join other F3 groups when on the road.  I've yet to meet an F3 man "HIM - High Impact Man" or group "PAX" that hasn't openly welcomed me, challenged me or made me feel a part of them.

It is too hard to describe in words the impact this will have on your life not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well.  I've watched many men drastically improve their fitness, lose weight and become happier and stronger.  This committed team of men will always have your back and ensure you become the best version of yourself!  

Jason K - Tinker

I am writing to share a testimony of how F3 is profoundly changing my life, transforming not only my physical well-being but also my mental resilience, sense of belonging, and drawing me closer and closer to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Not sure if anyone remembers the Warrior Dash events but they used to be the world's largest running series and that was the initial spark that set off many events in my life in which one would call crazy. Shout out to my younger brother for the invitation.

To keep things short, if you want more details or stories come see me at The Executive, Presidents Park, 283 Dudley Road, Edgewood KY 41017, but before F3 I was probably a bit out of control. I was addicted to doing extreme things, extreme in my mind, to push myself physically. It started when I was training for that first Warrior Dash in which I accomplish a couch to 5k program on my own using a treadmill. Wow! I just ran 3.1 miles on a treadmill and felt like I was on top of the world. Then it was numerous 5k runs, then 10k runs, then a mixture of half-marathons and trail runs and a boat load of "mud runs" like Mud, Guts, and Glory, Battlefrog, Spartan Races and more Spartan Races and Trifecta Spartan Races, and then marathons. I was getting up at 4:30am everyday working out and training.

During all the above craziness I was attending a Church in which I discovered a few good men. Men that were on fire for the Lord and at this time my life was a treadmill stuck on "meh." Work, eat, sleep, look for the next affordable obstacle course run, repeat. My spirit was about as dusty as an attic spiderweb. I craved a change, a spark, a reason to rip off the "blah" blanket and say, "Bring it on, world!" Then COVID hit and the world started shutting down. This included most of the obstacle course races, most of all the running activities I did in the past but most importantly was the Church I was attending. I tried the Chruch online thing but let's be honest, how can you truly allow the Spirit to move using the same vehicle, TV, that you use for worldly entertainment. That's when I discovered CFC (Community Family Church) in Independence, they remained opened because the world needs Jesus. So, while attending Church at CFC I became more and more aware of God's presence. My extreme thinking changed from crazy running adventures to seeking to encourage men that we are called by God to assume leadership roles, bestowed with power and authority to dismantle strongholds and uplift other men, preparing them for the challenges ahead.. The same Spirit that rose Jesus from the dead lives in us!

CFC has a men's ministry called the Fight Club which we meet usually on the first Friday of the month. This was great! A collective of men uniting for a common purpose and forming strong bonds. The only problem for me personally was it was only one time a month. I wanted and needed more. I search the Internet for local and online men's groups and found and participated in a few but they are online. Not the same as real face-to-face interactions. But then... then I was lead to F3. One Saturday morning, I compelled myself to get out of bed and headed to the park. I was met with open arms, friendly faces, and an indescribable sense of camaraderie. Little did I know that those initial moments would mark the beginning of a transformative journey.

The Executive is a place where I can let go of the unnecessary baggage and simply embrace my true self. A place where burpees were prayers, and lunges were sermons on perseverance. A place where laughter echoed through the trees, and groans of exertion became a chorus of shared struggle. All for free! F3 holds me accountable, not just for my reps, but for being the best version of myself. Physically, the workouts push me to my limits and beyond. The variety and intensity are unlike anything I had experienced before. The cinder blocks, the laughter, and the sweat – they all became integral parts of my life.

Yet, the real transformation extends far beyond the physical realm. F3 provided a space where I felt seen, heard, and valued. The accountability of the group motivated me not just in workouts but in all aspects of life. The encouragement from my F3 brothers inspired me to set and achieve spiritual, personal and professional goals, fostering a newfound confidence and determination. My F3 brothers inspire me every day, and I can't let a beatdown end without expressing how much they mean to me. Words hardly do it justice, but I try anyways.

Proverbs 27:17: "As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another." This verse highlights the idea that through interaction and relationship with others, we can all grow and become better versions of ourselves. 

So, if you're looking for a change, a spark, a reason to yell at the top of your lungs come check out F3. You might just find yourself, too. And who knows, you might even become the guy writing the next F3 testimony, because this ripple effect, my friends, it's contagious.

Keep advancing!

Rob S - T-Rex

My introduction to F3 was born during a time of sorrow and emotional pain, when, after divorce, and in the midst of an addiction, I sought help from my pastor.  He was not a member of F3, but had several members of his congregation who were regularly attending in Greensboro North Carolina where I lived at the time. So Aug 17, 2015 I showed up at Latham Grinder and was given the name T-Rex. There typically comes a point in every workout when I wonder to myself- “I don’t think I can finish this,” and yet, as brothers in arms, we do finish, and we do get stronger.  The fitness is great, but it has always been the fellowship of men seeking to get better that keeps me coming back. 

F3 seems to give us a physical rehearsal of what is being asked of us in the spiritual realm.  Show up in the dark to do what someone else tells you to do because they have your ultimate best interest in mind. It may be difficult for a time, (I mean who doesn’t want to avoid 100 burpees) but it is worth it when you experience the results- stronger physically, mentally, relationally, and spiritually. 

So too with God, who definitely knows what is best for me better than I do.  Hebrews 12 is a meaningful Bible passage (Heb. 12‬:‭6‬-‭7‬, ‭10‬-‭11) in part it says “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”

He has a better blessing, a richer relationship with Him on the other side of the brokenness. Thank you Lord for Shepherding me in this process of being broken and restored. 

T-Rex Roooooooar!!!!

Drew M - Eva

I showed up to F3 after a buddy that lived in St Louis told me about it. I was searching for community, and I found it with F3. The workouts are cool and all, I enjoy the sweat and moving, and the workouts are always different. But the glue is the community and group of men that push each other to be better people - better fathers, better husbands, and better leaders. It’s what keeps me coming back. I always arrive back home better than when I left. 

Matt P - Dumbbell 

I had first heard about F3 on a podcast about 10 years ago and was intrigued because I was working out 4-5 days a week at the time.  I didn’t know much about it, other than it was a men's workout group.  I looked into it, but there wasn’t anything in Cincinnati at the time.  I promptly forgot about.  About 2 years ago, Bill Danner (The Reaper) started texting me about an F3 group that had started in Northern Kentucky.  I had known Bill for several years as we volunteered and led a group of middle school students at church.  I showed up, had no idea about nicknames, the weird exercise names, and counting in cadence.  Either way, I enjoyed and have been going for almost 2 and a half years.  Initially, I kept showing up simply because I said I would and I didn’t want to run the risk of no one else being there.  Early on, there were a lot of workouts with only 3 or 4 men.  But that foundation has grown into Northern Kentucky becoming its own region with 4 locations and 8 workouts per week, with 20-30 men making at least 1 of them per week.  I want to share F3 with other men, because I always go home better physically, mentally and emotionally.  It’s having support, getting advice, getting pushed, being held accountable and all the other things that men need but don’t talk about enough.  “Show me your friends, and I’ll show you your future.” 

Mark W - Pig

I first met guys from F3NKY while eating breakfast every Saturday morning at Panera Bread.  I could hear them talking about the workout they just completed and my reaction was always the same; no way I could do that.   Whe Covid closed down the gyms, I quit going, and had not resumed any kind of full body workout since.   Well, thank God I'm a sucker for a nice looking  fluorescent yellow work shirt to work in the yard in and I saw one of the guys wearing one depicting one of the work out venues.  I inquired, "how do I get one of those shirts"?  Their response was, "come to the workout". I said "I knew you were going to say that".  After encouragement from my wife Teri to try it out, and a persuasive emotional headlock from Pappy (Carl Gilman), Billboard (Kevin Eberle) and Dumbell (Matt Pickeral), I said, what could it hurt.  After one workout I was hooked.  That was June 6, 2023.  I have yet to attend less than 3 a week for 5 months now.  The picture below in the light blue shirt was me before I joined F3 and the picture on the right was me two months later.  The physical improvements are obvious.  The emotional and mental improvements are even more so.  The F3 group of men have changed my life.  Yes I look forward to every "Fitness" part of F3, but I look forward even more to the "Fellowship" and "Faith" portions.  It's the greatest group of men I have ever been around on a consistent basis.  It's a brotherhood; a fraternity so to speak.  Everyone has the others backs and ready to be called to help in any way possible.  It's a group of men to lean on in bad times and have a blast with during good times; and there are plenty of those.  My first reaction as I said at the beginning was "no way I can do F3".  Now my mantra is, "no way I can go without F3".