Focus on school, focus on fitness through FiA and F3

It’s that time of year when many of us have children heading back to school or college. As parents, we want to get off to a good start and are focused on supporting our children’s academics, school activities, and keeping the new calendar items organized. In the midst of the business that is life for most of us, our personal health and fitness often gets put on the backburner. But are we happy with our current level of physical activity? Or do we have a goal to improve...starting now!?

We - Erin Branham (or “Bear” nickname to her FiA tribe) and Joe Gough (or “Hotwire” nickname to his F3 peers) - want to make DI adult residents aware of an opportunity that’s free, rewarding, and perhaps the boost of support and friendship you need to jump start your fitness this fall. Females in Action (FiA) for women and F3 (Fitness, Fellowship and Faith) for men are peer-led outdoor workout groups that meet in the mornings several times a week at Governors Park (rain or shine). The groups participate in boot-camp style workouts (core and leg exercises, moderate intervals of jogging, push-ups, jumping jacks, etc). Each workout is different, as a member of the group (e.g., perhaps your neighbor) selects the exercises the group will do for a 45/50 minute workout. All levels of fitness are welcome and the exercises can be modified to meet your specific fitness and comfort level.

FiA and F3 originated in North Carolina and have locations in over 13 states as the growth continues rapidly across the US. The mission of F3 is to “plant, grow and serve small workout groups for the invigoration of male community leadership.” While FiA is “a community of women whose mission is to make each other stronger in all areas of our lives.”

FiA and F3 reach beyond Daniel Island with workout locations throughout Charleston, including Mount Pleasant, Isle of Palms, Sullivan’s Island, West Ashley, Summerville and Folly Beach to name a few.

We’re very fortunate to have FiA and F3 on Daniel Island. I (Joe Gough) have been going for over a year (I quit my gym and started F3) and am benefiting in so many ways (I’m 53 years old there are no age restrictions). It’s been awesome to meet other guys and dads from DI and the Long Point Road area who come to Governors Park. We’re staying fit, feeling better, and getting to know and support each other and our families. I personally like the accountability factor. Your buddies and neighbors are continuously encouraging you—it’s great! We’re also setting an example of a fitness lifestyle for our children to see.

These groups are also looking beyond the workouts to give back to Charleston through charitable fundraising events, such as last year’s F3 participation in the Charleston Dragon Boat Festival (fundraiser for Charleston area cancer survivors) and other charitable events. We also plan family events, such as beach days and an inshore boat and pier fishing tournament for the kids and everyone who wants to join-in. We also have specific Saturdays when the kids work out with the parents. We did this last year at Park Day - such a great family experience!

I (Erin Branham) helped launch FiA on DI in May of 2016 because I had been attending some other area locations and was looking for a closer option. I felt certain there were many women on and near the island who could also benefit from a Daniel Island FiA option. We were thrilled to have over 35 ladies at our first workout! I feel truly blessed to break a sweat with some really amazing women I’ve come to know really well in the past several months. FiA, although an awesome workout, is truly so much more than that. I’m excited to see the continued growth and am hopeful that others will join us. There’s no signing up… just show up with water and a mat. It may be a little early, but the sunrise makes up for it and it’s so nice to get up and get my fitness checked off of my list before I start my day.

The final aspect of F3, besides the fitness and fellowship, is faith. FiA and F3 are not religious groups. However, each workout concludes with a short devotion and opportunity to pray for events going on in each other’s lives: health issues among family, friends, or co-workers; recognition of the sacrifices of the military and their families; challenging issues at work; and perhaps simpler things like a big test at school or a tryout for our kids. Just a moment of pause and reflection and to give thanks for all that is good as well, including FiA and F3!

SAVE THE DATE

You’re invited to come out and try FiA and F3. On Labor Day Weekend, Saturday Sept 3, 7:30 -8:30 am at Governors Park there will be a combined FiA/F3 workout. This special event would be the perfect day to try FiA and F3 to see how fun and rewarding it is. So come on out!

Weekly workout Schedule
at Governors Park

F3 (Men) – www.f3nation.com
Wednesday - 5:30 a.m.
Saturday - 6:30 a.m.

FiA (Women) – www.fianation.com
Monday – 6 a.m.
Friday – 6 a.m.