F3 AUSTIN: FAQ's

We know you’ve got questions about F3! From what PAX and AOs mean, to the exact workout times and our Faith component, we've heard them all. This page provides clear answers to the most common questions about joining our free, peer-led men's fitness and brotherhood group in the Austin Region. 

Q: What is F3?

A: F3 stands for Fitness, Fellowship, and Faith. We're a free, peer-led workout group for men. Think: bootcamp meets brotherhood...with a heavy dose of dad jokes and sweat.

Q: Is it really free? Like... actually free?

A: Yes. 100% free. No dues, fees, subscriptions, or awkward sales pitches. The only thing you'll pay is attention (and maybe for some post-workout coffee).

Q: What does “Faith” mean in F3....is this some sort of religious organization?

A:  No, not a religious org.....we just believe in something bigger than ourselves. We don’t push religion. We do push each other to be better men, dads, leaders, husbands, and human beings.

Q: What’s a “PAX”?

A: You are... All men who show up to a workout are PAX. PAX is actually short for passenger.  It is an old military/airline/train term.....come take a ride with us. It's a free....always!!!

Q: Who’s in charge here?

A: No one. And also... everyone. We're peer-led, which means the guy next to you could be Q’ing tomorrow. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to lead without needing a whistle or clipboard.

Q: Wait, what's a “Q”?

A: The “Q” is the guy leading the workout. He designs the beatdown, gives the disclaimer, and takes the blame when you can’t walk the next day.

Q: Why do y’all have nicknames?

A: It’s a rite of passage. Your first workout ends with a naming ceremony where the PAX assign you a nickname based on…well, whatever weird facts you accidentally shared with the group. It might be clever. It might be hilarious. It will stick forever and no one will remember your birth name.

However, if you get a name that you don’t feel is appropriate...meaning you wouldn’t tell your wife and kids, or you wouldn’t wear it proudly on a t-shirt. Just speak up. No shame. A new (and hopefully less traumatizing) name will be bestowed upon you.

Q: What time are workouts?

A: Most of our AOs start between 5:00–6:00 AM . Yes, it’s early...we know. And yes, you’ll question your life choices. No, you won’t regret it once you’re done and you'll be looking to come back for more!

Q: What do I need to bring?

A: Just yourself, some workout clothes, and a sense of humor. Gloves are optional but recommended if you don’t want your hands to look like a bricklayer’s.

Q: What’s an AO?

A: It stands for Area of Operations. It’s our fancy military-sounding way of saying “where the workout happens.” Check the AO MAP  to find one near you.

Q: Can I bring a friend?

A: Absolutely. Drag 'em out of bed and tell 'em you’ve got a free workout that ends with naming rights and coffee. Who could say no to that?

Q: How can I support the mission beyond workouts?

A: We’re glad you asked. Check out the Austin H.I.M. Foundation to get involved in deeper impact, service projects, and more ways to lead.

Q: What if I’m out of shape?

A: Perfect. That makes you one of us. We all started somewhere. You’ll never be left behind...and you’ll never leave the same.

Q: Is F3 a cult? It kind of feels like one…

A: We promise, no robes or secret handshakes here....so not a cult. But we are not not a cult, either. We just happen to wake up before dawn, perform morning rituals (burpees, lunges, that sort of thing), and hold each other accountable. Really, it’s just a brotherhood that loves fitness, fellowship, and the occasional inside joke...no cellar meetings required.

Q: Ok, I feel better now and ready to get after it with the PAX....if I have more questions, what do I do?

A: Great! Ask the guy standing next to you at the next beatdown, or contact us. We love questions almost as much as burpees. (Just kidding. Nobody loves burpees.)