Dora and Climbing Jacob’s Ladder

Today we had 12 brave souls that came out for my sophomore Q….hopefully I didn’t disappoint.  No FNG’s and the Disclaimer was given.

We started with a slow mosey around the parking lot and warmed up with :

Cherry Pickers, Imperial Walkers, Overhead claps and Windmills…with help from the group my Cadence will improve

DORA made an appearance and made us do:                                                                                                            100 Merkins                                                                                                                                                                           200 Squats                                                                                                                                                                             300 Flutters

When that was completed we were entertained with Jacob’s Ladder                                                            10 Pull-ups down the hill for 1 Burpee and back up the hill for more pullups and so on and so on until we finished.

Back to COT for announcements and prayers and we were joined by two ruckers.

Thanks Punch List for the opportunity to lead these men

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12 started their week at The Armory for some Workouts of the Day dedicated to the brave men who stormed the beach in Normandy. After a brief warm up we got to the heart of the day:

20 Minutes AMRAP

-60ish Meter Suitcase Carry (switch hands midway)

-60ish Meter Bear Crawl/Bell Drag Back (switch hands midway)

-44 American Hammers

-60ish Meter Suitcase Carry (switch hands midway)

-60ish Meter Bear Crawl/Bell Drag Back (switch hands midway)

-44 Burpees

 

Following this we had about 13 minutes so we adjusted another WOD

6 Minutes

-Ladder count up of curls, overhead press, goblet squat & high pull (1 of each then 2 of each then 3, etc)

6 Minutes

-Reverse ladder count from the amount you had completed previously of 4 count flutters and 4 count mountain climbers. The original weinke called for man maker burpees instead of the flutter kicks, but I decided to modify that…

 

Mosey back to COT for announcements and prayer.

 

Thank you for the opportunity to lead

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4yr Hive-iversary

12 PAX gathered in the humid pre-rain gloom on Deacon’s 40th Birthday for a workout marking the four years since #TheHive shovel flag was first planted.

With current and former Site Qs on hand, the Q was split 3 ways. YHC took the first 10 and last 5, Tesh and Longshanks had 15 each.

The Thang:

Warmup – Band Camp
– SSH x40
– Windmill x10 (slowcount)
– Mountain Climbers x10 (sloooowcount)
– Parker Peter x10
– Peter Parker x10

Bro-ga sequence
– Honeymooner
– Down Dog
– Right leg high
– Right foot between hands
– Move right hand inside right foot
– Push right knee out further to the right
– come down to elbows and hold
– Return to high plank
– repeat on left side

Kettlebell flow
– Deadlift
– Goblet squat
– Right lunge
– Left lunge

Handoff to Tesh:

Single arm overhead press
– start with bell up
– come down on a 3 count
– press up and count the rep
– 10 each arm

Partner up – try to find similar bell size
Stand about 40 yards apart
One partner does 10 KB Swings, other 10 snatches (5 each arm)
When finished with your reps, put your belly down on the ground
Your partner will either be down on the ground or finishing up. If they’re down, both of you pop up and sprint to change places. If they’re finishing up their reps, wait for them to finish and their belly to hit the ground, then pop up and sprint to change places.
Continue for 7 minutes.

Double arm tricep extension
– start up
– come down on a 3 count
– press up and count the rep
– 10 reps

Handoff to Longshanks

Ladder:
– 5 manmakers
– 10 deadlifts
– 15 goblet squats
– 20 curls (10/side)
– 25 big boy sit-ups with bell
– Run to the end of the parking lot and back
Rinse and Repeat 3 times

Back to YHC for some core (flutters w/ bell, american hammers, and Deacon called some leg raises) a message on Kennedy’s “We choose to go to the moon” speech. https://youtu.be/kwFvJog2dMw?t=19

“We choose to go to the Moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard; because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one we intend to win, and the others, too.”

That we choose to do the hard things because they are hard. (Here’s a personal list for me. 1st F: posting in the gloom to increasingly challenging workouts; 2nd F: reaching out to a PAX I don’t know well, but know is struggling; 3rd F: praying aloud with my wife/discussing my faith with someone whose beliefs I don’t know.) Because that difficulty measures us. It forces us to organize our energies to accomplish the challenge.

Grateful for the opportunity to serve as Site Q and to strive to be better among men that inspire me to keep going.

– Band Camp dismissed

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Burpees at the Ballroom?

This was my 4th Q in 6 days so I am running short on ideas, and never knowing what a moderate workout is supposed to be I struggled to build the winke, but no worries I came up with something fun and it was good to see all the Pax show up and ready to work.

Warm up mosey around the parking lot and then back to circle up for some COP.  SSH, Hillbilly Walkers, Low Slow Squat, Windmill, Potato Pickers, Mountain Climbers, Peter Parker, CDD, mixed in some Downward Dog and Honeymooner.

Mosey a little to the bottom of a little hill for a round of 11s – 10 Burpees at the bottom of the hill with 1 set Jumping Lunge with a Bear Crawl up the hill.  Apparently this was a lot of Burpees for Ballroom.  Oh well live & learn.

Activity 2 was another round of 11s, no hill this time just on curb to another.  10 LBCs  Bear crawl, lunge walk, Crab walk, or what ever, 1 Mike Tyson  and so on and so on…. Let it be know that those Mike Tysons start to hurt around 6 or 7.  Finished up with a few minutes of Mary. Great work by all.

Announcements – Convergence on the 24th,  Badger work-out, next Tuesday, read your newsletter.  Prayers  for students and teachers, families.

 

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What State Is This Tomahawk?

A few weeks back, I agreed to Q at the old Tomahawk and somehow I agreed to Q at Mint Hill on the same day, but as I never got confirmation from my brothers in Mint Hill, Tomahawk won the day.

I’ve learned to keep things simple but simple doesn’t mean the workout will be easy.  We took a stab at the old ladder methodology with kettlebells and it went something like this:

COP – Typical warmup thang.

The ladder goes like this:

20 – Swings
20 – Goblet Squats
20 – Merkins
20 – Tricep Extensions
20 – LBC’s
20 – Curls
20 – Skull Crushers
20 – Calf Raises
20 – American Hammer
* Run a lap after each round.

Once round one is complete, step up to 25 reps and then 30 with each repeat.

Mutiny was in the Pax eyes, so we didn’t get to try out round four and after a bit of broga and stretching we called it a day.

Thanks for the opportunity 3D and Polaroid to lead.

Great job 3D stepping up to be sight Q at Tomahawk.

Make today a great day and make the world a better place because you’re in it.

DT out.

 

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Frying Pan Fun

Sometime in the last couple of weeks, YHC’s youngest 2.0 wanted to watch a Disney movie that I never wanted to see.  I did my best to pick apart the plot holes and inconsistencies to keep myself entertained, and the thing that stuck out the most was the fact that the main character, some lady with absurdly long hair, could wield a cast iron frying pan as if were a hair brush or whiffle ball bat..  I walked into my kitchen and picked up my iron skillet and noticed that swinging it around would require someone to be JACKED…

The Setup

The night of the 23rd, a plyometric box, 3 bells (20, 25, and 30), as well as a cast iron skillet (with lid) were loaded into the back of YHC’s suv.  The M was very confused.  The morning of the workout, I arrived around 0505 and had to navigate through half a dozen runners who answered Polaroid’s call for a pre run.  It’s alway encouraging to see such bad-assery so early in the morning.  Today would be a good day to Q.

During setup PAX continued to arrive in droves. I plunked down the plyo box in a parking space and held onto the cards I made to deploy depending on group size. Thankfully, Polaroid threw his slam ball into the COT, so I grabbed it and threw it into the plyo box space so everyone would be able to have fun

Overall, 20 PAX appeared in the gloom at The Tomahawk.  A lot of faces were new to YHC, and so we quickly talked about the 5 core principals and disclaimed.

The warmup

Started with a quick mosey around the parking lot to warm up those whom had not already accumulated a couple miles, circling up on the east side (more of an ellipse).
2 sets of single-leg stretches (one leg bent, six close to the earth, other leg straight with toes up) Lots of mumble chatter already
Hands down into plank
10 werewolf merkins – The chatter continues
Back into plank

The workout

Mosey to pick up the bells and count off by 5’s.

Four stations were created including that of the plyo box.

PAX worked on their station exercise while the timer group grabbed the cast iron skillet and walked to the other end of the lot and back. The skillet was to be held with arm at a 90 degree angle, holding the handle with the skillet extended (in theory but not often in practice). At 15lbs it’s not that heavy, but holding just the handle makes for a sneaky bit o pain. The other PAX of the group would distribute the remaining bells and walk with the skillet holder, trading off as necessary. Optionally, the PAX could do lunges at the station.

Genuinely cannot recall the ORDER of the exercises, but below is what was available to the non plyo spots.
Snatch and squat
Plank Row
American Hammer
Goblet Squat
Upright Row
Man Maker
Plank Pass Through
Lawn Mower Pulls
Swings

One station was dedicated to the plyometric box (20x24x30) and the slam ball.

After each group visited each station the PAX were pulled aside for some group exercises.
Between sets 1-2
10x Imperial Walker
10x Merkin

Sets 2-3
10x Imperial Walker
10x Hillbilly Walker
10x Straight leg kicks (each leg)

One station short of a full third set and it was time to hit COT. Name-o-rama revealed the presence of an FNG, now named Tricycle (WELCOME!!!).

Polaroid got the former site Qs together and handed off the shovel flag to 3D.

Announcements were announced and the COT ended with a prayer. Great work by all the PAX. YHC is truly humbled and honored to have gotten to Q this day.

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Smokey VQ

“Final 4” NCAA theme workout to work 4 muscle groups.  Freezing 32 degrees, but we got warm fast!

Tomahawk (Kettle Bell)

 

Warmup: (10 minutes)

  • Side-straddle Hops (25)
  • Windmill (25)
  • Low Slow Squats
  • Moroccan Nightclub
  • Cherry Pickers
  • Jog around the parking lot

Exercise: (35 minutes)

  • LEGS
    • Lunge (1 min) Exercise group A
    • Squats (1 min) Exercise group A
    • Run to the end of the parking lot!
    • Calf Raises (1 Min) Exercise group B
    • Sumo Squat (1 Min) Exercise group B
    • Run to the end of the parking lot!
  • ARMS
    • Curls L (1 min) Exercise group A
    • Curls R (1 min) Exercise group A
    • Run to the end of the parking lot!
    • Skull Crushers (1 Min) Exercise group B
    • Chest Press (1 Min) Exercise group B
    • Run to the end of the parking lot!
  • CORE
    • Big Boy Sit-ups (1 min) Exercise group A
    • Flutters (1 min) Exercise group A
    • Run to the end of the parking lot!
    • Freddy Merc (1 min) Exercise group B
    • Box Cutters (1 min) Exercise group B
    • Run to the end of the parking lot!
  • BACK
    • Kettle Bell Swings (1 min) Exercise group A
    • Upright Row (1 min) Exercise group A
    • Run to the end of the parking lot!
    • Bent over Rows L (1 min) Exercise group B
    • Bent Over Rowes R (1 min) Exercise group B
    • Run to the end of the parking lot!

 

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UNO (a VQ dream)

3D’s VQ premiered an UNO workout with 12 guys.

(3D finally got access to post this.  Sorry for the delay.  It was so popular DropThrill has used it since.  Some of this is copied from his BackBlast.)

Shuffle the deck of Uno cards and whatever the number is, you perform that number of reps with the exception of 0 being 10. The color of the cards determines the exercise. You have to play your cards just like in Uno. Color on same color, or same number on same number.

Blue = Kettlebell curls
Green = LBC’s
Yellow = Squats with or without bell
Red = Upright rows
Skip = Run a lap
+2 = Two reps of 2 exercises from the list (player’s choice)
+4 = Four reps of all four exercises
Reverse = Do the same exercise you just performed
Wild = Change color

Sounds simple right? It is, until you get stuck on a color or number for a while.

If you dont have a card to play, you draw another card and have to do a Burpee.  The crew flipped this and in the spirit of camaraderie, everyone did a Burpee for every card drawn.

Folks tried to call out Uno, but we didn’t have a contingency for this.  Something to add for next time.

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Demented Game Of Uno!

Today was another chance to cross state lines and spend the DRP at Mint Hill with some of my brothers.  I picked up this workout from a workout in Fort Mill by 3D.  It forever changed the game of Uno for us!

So after a little warmup the thang goes something like this.

Shuffle the deck of Uno cards and whatever the number is, you perform that number of reps with the exception of 0 being 10. The color of the cards determines the exercise.  You have to play your cards just like in Uno.  Color on same color, or same number on same number.

Blue = Kettlebell curls
Green = LBC’s
Yellow = Squats with or without bell
Red = Upright rows
Ø = Run a lap
+2 = Two of the last card/exercise drawn
+4 = Four reps of all four exercises
Reverse = Do the same exercise you just performed
Wild = Change color

Sounds simple right?  It is, until you get stuck on a color or number for a while.

The four of us worked hard and modified a few things since we only had two kettlebells amongst us.  Great life lesson, adapt when life changes up on you.  Don’t just run for the house.

Thanks Tough Skins for offering the Q to me.  Always an honor to lead.

Prayers for TS as he changes careers and leaves the corporate world behind for part time ministry and part time self employment.  Way to step up to be even more of a HIM (High Impact Man)

Prayers for Rick who has cancer surgery on 4/23.

DT out!

 

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“D-Day”

3-26-19 Q at the Colosseum: “D-Day”

Normal disclosure and then a Straight Up! style warm-up (you’re gonna get movin’ . . .)

We then divided into 4 groups of personally-assessed fitness levels (no judgments):

a. Just getting restarted

b. I’m making progress, but man do I have a ways to go to meet my goals.

c. I’m not a FNG/newcomer anymore, but I have stagnated and am not at the echelon level yet. It may not be my goal, but I would  like to make a bit more progress.

d. I feel I am close to or already at an Elite fitness level for who God made me at this age. I want to keep pushing myself (some laughs on this one).

From here, I broke the groups generally up into groups of 3.

Theme: Growth

12 “D-Day” Stations. Today’s workout was in honor of my awesome now 12 year old: Yoshi:

Same general scenario throughout the workout:

  1. You are paired up with 2 other PAX. There are 12 stations.
  2. Each PAX takes a turn “leading” to the next station after the previous station has been completed with quality and quantity holding each other accountable. That includes the running pace to the next station and completing the exercises throughout the station.
  3. The “leader” of the next station reads the quote or question on the card and facilitates discussion as each person completes their 3 exercises if the exercise routines permit a discussion.
  4. If you finish an exercise before you transition to the next one at each station or you are waiting on another group to wrap up their station, you are to do “Flying Squirrels” as you wait. If you fail to do this your “leader” (at that station) will have to do 3X what you should have by himself. “Leaders” lead. Groups were asked to keep moving.
  5. If you are waiting on one of your partners to finish their exercise before you can use it (like dumbbells), do flying squirrels while you wait.
  6. You do not have to move to each station in order. Go to the available one as quickly as you can.
  7. If you finish all 12 stations, repeat.
  8. Returned at 5:52 to first bench area to complete 8 mins of Abs.

At Stations: from above do your appropriate group level a/b/c/d depending on which group you are a part of

Station 1:

Discuss your thoughts on this while you workout if your fitness level enables you to. is it right or wrong?

“In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying so get in motion and grow.” – Lou Holtz

“Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less.” – Norman Mailer

Dip Bar: 8/12/18/36

Squats: 16/22/32/45

Broad jump (both legs at same time): 10/14/20/30

Station 2:

Discuss your thoughts on this while you workout if your fitness level enables you to:

“Progress always involves risk; you can’t progress to second base and also keep your foot on first.” – Christie Mason

The Donut: squeeze each with each hand one of these times: 30/55/70/90

Merkins: 20/34/48/65

Very high knees in place (each knee up is one): 40/60/90/150

Station 3:

Thoughts on C.S. Lewis quote: “Hardships often prepare ordinary people for extraordinary destiny.”

Wall bag squat thruster throws: 12/24/36/48

Step-ups (each leg): 8/12/16/22

Slow motion knees under hips flat back bear crawls: 6/12/16/24

Station 4 (Legs):

When you try to grow, do you write or journal your thoughts, challenges, experiences, . . .?

Box jumps: 10/15/25/40

Bear Crawls (1 full BC is both back legs move forward): 8/12/20/30

Bulgarian squats: 6/10/15/20

Station 5:

In your immediate surroundings during your week, how often do you crave feedback to improve or get better? Is is constantly, some, or not at all?

2/5/8/15 burpees then small sand bag carry 50 yards

Run to “the wall” and go over the wall (carefully) the number of times and run back go the station cone: 2/4/7/10

Plank with right arm high for 30 secs, Plank with left arm high for 30 secs

Station 6:

With regard to your craft, are you constantly pushing yourself to get better at your craft?

Wall squats: 30 secs/50 secs/60 secs/60 secs with one leg straight out for 30 secs each

Derkins: 8/14/22/34

Mountain climbers: 40/60/86/116

Station 7:

Run a lap at a ___% sprint: 30/50/75/90%

Station 8:

Are you one to set lofty goals, obtainable goals, or rarely set goals?

Run to behind the school to run hills: 2/5/7/12

Station 9:

Is this speaking to you today? “Move out of your comfort zone. You can only grow if you are willing to feel awkward and uncomfortable when you try something new.” – Brian Tracy

Large sand bag carry: Walk/run 30 yards/50 yards/75 yards/125 yards

Kettlebell swings: 15/20/26/42

10 forward lunges then plank hold until KB reps are done

Station 10:

Thoughts on this quote? “If we’re growing, we’re always going to be out of our comfort zone.” – John Maxwell

Alligator walks: 10/20/30/40

Bomb jacks: 8/14/20/30

Bucket carry: Walk/run 30 yards/50 yards/75 yards/125 yards

Station 11:

Thoughts on this quote? “All the concepts about stepping out of your comfort zone mean nothing until you decide that your essential purpose, vision and goals are more important than your self-imposed limitations.” – Robert White

Curls (don’t change the weight): 8/12/16/22

Reverse Lunges (1 leg is one rep): 14/20/28/50

The worst merkin ever: 1 Wide-armed merkin, 1 standard, 1 diamond, burpee up and then down, burpee kick-out (each direction once), 1 ply-clap merkin: 1/3/5/9

Station 12:

Sprints from cone to your car and touch the back wheel and go back to cone: 2/4/5/8

8 mins Abs:

60 secs each:

Figure 8’s

Tuck Planks

Rest 30 secs

60 secs each:

Cross Hop Planks

Scissor “V” ups

30 secs:

21 Crunch

Rest 30 secs.

60 secs each:

Upper Circle Crunches -left

Upper Circle Crunches -right

 

COT: Announcement, PRAISES-GOOD ONES!, Prayers, Send off

Thank you Jekyll for allowing me to lead.  Lots of fun, men. Thank you for joining me.

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