Barney Fife’s Ballroom VQ

The Message:

Since this was my VQ I was not overly confident and could feel the butterflies doing side straddle hops in my stomach. I had made a homemade deck of workout cards that I was looking forward to trying out. However, the best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry and my plan quickly fell apart. I am ashamed to admit that I underestimated my fellow PAX. My plan was based on a group of what I assumed would be 5 – 10 that would eventually draw 5 cards each by the end of the workout at which time we would compare hands for a modified game of poker.

As I stood in the gloom waiting to give my first disclaimer I was pleasantly surprised to watch the steady stream of vehicles arrive, one after the other. By the time 5:15 rolled around there was a total of 26 of us and I was less nervous and could feel the support in the air. I quickly realized that I would have to modify my plan but I was happy to do it because no matter what happened I knew I was among good friends that would be quick to help if necessary.

After stumbling over a barely adequate disclaimer we started with a CoP warmup:

  • Windmills
  • Side straddle hops
  • Hillbilly walkers
  • Carolina dry docks

After the warm up it was time for a short mosey to the football field.

The THANG:

The PAX lined up on the goal line and planked while one person at a time sprinted to the 40 yard line, drew a card and brought it back and called their exercise out in cadence. After each PAX brought one card back for a random beat down that worked the legs, arms and abs we split up into 5 groups on the field. Each group used the 5 workout cards that they had drawn from the pile and moved to the next group of cards when they were done. After each group worked through all 5 sets of cards we lined up on the 40 yard line for more sprints:

  • 10 yard sprint, imperial walkers back
  • 20 yard sprint, power skip back
  • 30 yard sprint, hillbilly walkers back

We moseyed back to the parking lot for CoT where I explained to the group what an enormous impact my F3 brothers have had on my life since I began coming in April and we all welcomed FNG Flyby to the family.

Thanks to Short Sale for giving me the opportunity to Q, I thoroughly enjoyed it and promise to make it SUCK more next time. Thanks to all the PAX who came out and showed their support.

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4 Corners of Love

As this was my VQ, I wanted to keep things moving.  It was humid as always so it wasn’t hard to make the PAX sweat.

Mozie
Side straddle hops
Imperial walkers
Windmills
Morrocan night club

Stretch narrow,wide(l&r),calf,groin,quad,torso,arms

Lunge and hold 10
LBC 20
Merkin 10
Bomb jacks 20 oyo

Curtsy tap 5 2x (Apollo Ohnos)
Box cutter 10
Wide Merkin 15
Walking burpees 10 oyo

Glute bridge 5 reps 2 rounds/leg
Flutter kicks 20
Carolina dry docks 10
Peter Parker’s 10

Low slow squats 10
Heals to heaven 15 oyo
Diamond pushups
Superman

Monkey humpers
American hammer
Dips
Side stradle hops

Mozie to start and repeat stretch

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Light Pole Work

For what looked to be a rainy morning the night before, I was pleased to see we would have a dry morning, except for the sweat from the less than moderate work I had planned.  Ballroom is a great AO and is also moderate.  The workout allowed everyone the opportunity to push themselves.  As cars rolled in a great group of 25 PAX assembled and the mumble-chatter started immediately.  After a short disclaimer we moseyed around the parking lot and stopped at the far side for warm-up

  • SSH
  • Windmill
  • Imperial Walker
  • Low Slow Squat
  • Merkin
  • Mountain Climber
  • MNC – correct arm movement

Mosey to the entrance road for the light pole work to begin.  Begin at 1st light pole with exercise, run to the 2nd and complete exercise.  Come back to 1st and complete exercise and go to 2nd then 3rd and then back to 1st.  Continue this until complete all 5 light poles. (Mumble-chatter had dropped to a low level), catching your breath was more important.  Light poles were spaced out along front entrance and every other pole had designated exercise.  Exercises:

  1. 10 Merkins
  2. 15 CDD
  3. 20 Dips
  4. 25 Monkey Humpers
  5. 30 Squats

Once completed and six was in we moseyed to the grass/mud hill on the side of the school.  Set out for a series of 12’s.  Bottom of hill dips and the top of the hill squats. 1 at bottom & 11 at top of hill – 2/10, 3/9…..

Moseyed back to front parking lot for a little Mary.  Opportunity for some of the Pax that had not Q’d before to lead an exercise of Mary.  Good job Arrowhead, Dungaree and Wide Right.

Moleskin:

We have almost completed 60 days of focus on impact.  I shared with the group that as I have thought about impact in my life, I have thought about the people in my life that have impacted me.  Most of the time they probably didn’t know the impact they made but more importantly their impact was made by how they lived their life.  As I shared that in our family, work, social and community, it may not be the words we speak but the daily actions we live that can impact someone.  I also shared Dabo’s response he had at the ACC media day, when asked about his faith.  “If there is hope in the future, there is power in the present”.  Take 3 minutes and watch the video of his response.  We are all blessed and have different opportunities in the present.  Let your actions speak loudly!!

Thanks Short Sale for the opportunity to Q.

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Focus

It was great to post with the 10 #HIMs at the Yard this morning. I told the Pax that we were going to play basketball and there was no need for gloves. They looked apprehensive but said “ok?” Boogie Down brought his son Julian as our FNG. Nice work Boogie Down!

The Thang

Mosey to the back parking lot

COP: SSH (10x), IW (10x), HBW (20x), Sumo Squats (15x), Merkins (20x), Moroccan NIght Clubs and Overhead Claps (15x)

Mosey to the next parking lot near the station

Leg Warm-Up: Toy Soldiers, Shuffle Left, Shuffle Right, Back Pedals, Karaoke Left, Karaoke Right, Power Skips

Mosey to the basketball courts for a quick game of Knockout followed by a 5 on 5 basketball game for intense cardio.

COP: LBCs (15x), Rosalettas (15x), Hello Dollies (15x), Flutters (15x)

Moleskin:

During the first couple of days of a recent summer vacation, I was consumed in distractions from bring present from my family. I was wasting time on my cell phone that I could not get back. I finally decided to put my cell phone in another room so it was not easily accessible. With the phone distraction removed, I was more focused and present for my family. My next challenge is to more consistently remove distractions and to focus on my priorities, like my family and God’s calling on my life.

What are the distractions? Electronic devices are a huge distraction for many of us. Some people are distracted with the past because they obsess over what they could have, should have and could have done. Some people are distracted with worrying about the future. It’s likely that the worries for the future will not become reality.

All we have is right now. Tomorrow is not promised. Yesterday is gone. Be present. Be focused.

Peace,

Deacon

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Core Impact

It was a really nice morning at The Ballroom!  The weather was perfect, the PAX were feisty, and the workout was tough (at least I think so).

We started out with a quick disclaimer (no FNG’s) and then we moseyed around the front of the school to the parking lot on the other side.

Warmup consisted of the following, all in cadence:

  • Side Straddle Hop – 25
  • Low Slow Squats – 10
  • Windmill – 10
  • Moroccan Nightclubs – 25
  • Cherry Pickers – 10

The Thang…I started out explaining that most everything will be in cadence, and to encourage participation by the PAX I asked that we take turns counting off cadence.  Let the core workout begin:

  • LBC’s in cadence – 15
  • Flutter Kicks in cadence – 25 (that is a LOT)
  • Hello Dolly in cadence – 15
  • LBC’s in cadence – 15
  • Flutter Kicks in cadence – 15
  • Hello Dolly in cadence – 15

A quick talk about IMPACT was had.  We can make positive, or negative impacts daily.  How will we choose to use the opportunities for impact?

Mosey around to the back of the school

Got some insight into CSPAN, how he got his name and what F3 has meant to him!

  • Hello Dolly in cadence – 15
  • Freddy Mercury in cadence – 25
  • Big Boy Sit-Ups, single count – 10
  • American Hammer in cadence – 15

Break for People’s Chair for a 10 count from each of the 18 PAX in attendance

  • Merkins in cadence – 10
  • Diamond Merkins in cadence – 10
  • Hello Dolly in cadence – 15
  • Freddy Mercury in cadence – 25
  • Big Boy Sit-Ups, single count – 10
  • American Hammer in cadence – 15

Mosey back towards COT

  • LBC’s in cadence – 15
  • Flutter Kicks in cadence – 20
  • Hello Dolly in cadence – 15
  • Freddy Mercury in cadence – 25
  • Big Boy Sit-Ups, single count – 10
  • American Hammer in cadence – 15

We then spent a few minutes doing some much needed (and appreciated, especially by our very own respectable CSPAN) Broga

And closed out with announcements, prayer requests, and encouraging the PAX to attend the 3rd F at Crossroads after!

As usual, it was an honor to lead.  Thanks Short Sale for the opportunity!

Smithers – Out

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A Moderate Ballroom Dance

Honored to Q The Ballroom, thanks to Short Sale and 13 PAX

5:15 and one coming in hot, wait or go? and we’re off

Mosey to the lot on the other side of the school, circle up
10 x Hillbilly Walker, 10 x Windmill, 20 x MN Club, 15 x LBC, 10 x Imperial Walker, 10 x Weed Puller, 20 x OH Claps, 10 x Dying Cockroach

Mosey around to the back of the school near the bridge, circle up
10 x Stationary Toy Soldiers, 10 x Richard Simmons, 10 x L S Squat, 10 x Hello Dolly, 10 x Travolta, 10 x Scorpion DD

Mosey across the bridge and around the outside of the football field to the cinder block lot
Back and forth across the lot
Karaoke L, Karaoke R, High Knees, Power Skip, Butt Kickers, 1/2 Squat Walker:1/2 Jog it out, 1/2 Bear Crawl:1/2 jog it out, 50%, 75%, 100%

To the edge of the lot for suicides
20 x OH Claps
20 x OH Claps, 10 x Donkey Kicks
20 x OH Claps, 10 x Donkey Kicks, 10 x Squat Jumps
20 x OH Claps, 10 x Donkey Kicks, 10 x Squat Jumps, 10 x HR Merkins

Walking 10 count to the other side of the lot for a different perspective
20 x MN Club
20 x MN Club, 10 Plank Jacks
20 x MN Club, 10 Plank Jacks, 10 x Monkey Humpers
20 x MN Club, 10 Plank Jacks, 10 x Monkey Humpers, 10 x Makhtar N’ Diayes

One more time ish
20 x Arm Circles
20 x Arm Circles, 5 x  Flying Squirrels
20 x Arm Circles, 5 x Flying Squirrels, 10 ea Stationary Lunge

Mosey back the long way, around the outside of the field, across the bridge, back near COT for some Mary, 10 x LBCs, 10 x Freddie Mercury, !0 x Travolta

Looks like we made it,

Barry Manilow

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Give Me Liberty Or Give Me Burpees

A sticky, pre-July 4th convergence group showed at THE Ballroom. The Pax answered the Siren Song published on the Twitter machine put out by YHC. Pleasantries exchanged, disclaimer was disclaimed. Let get to it.

Mosey to other side of the school for :

COP:

  • Seal Jacks * 25
  • HILLBILLY WALKER * 15
  • Merkins * 10
  • Squats * 15
  • Wide Arm Merkins * 10
  • Windmills * 15
  • SSH * 20
  • Mountain Climbers*15
  • MOROCCAN NIGHTCLUBS * 20

3 BURPEES OYO

MOSEY to HILL on side of school; Jacobs’ Ladder 10s- 1st set-LBCs at bottom, SSHs at top. No  2nd Set was added as the Q had forgotten how large this hill can be.

THOUGHTS ON LIBERTY- Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty.– John Kennedy

CONSIDER THE MANY FREEDOMS THAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED, LIKE TRAVELLING THE COUNTRY FREELY. PRAY FOR THOSE IN THE WORLD WHO ARE BEING IMPRISONED FOR SEEKING THE SAME FREEDOMS

MOSEY TO the back wall of the School  FOR TABATA- 1 MINUTE AMRAP EACH EXERCISE, 30 SEC REST. , SQUATS, MERKINS, LBCs, CALF RAISES, FLYING SQUIRRELS, MNCs, Freddie, CRAB CAKES, MONKEY HUMPERS, SSH. The Crab Cakes were the real crowd pleaser.

Mosey to COT: Announcements, Prayers for everyone’s safety on the 4th, Bullwinkle and family, Kids staying safe in summertime. 

Need to get on more Q schedules as it’s always an honor to serve the Fort Pax.

Let’s get out there and make an Impact.

Short Sale Signing Off.  

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A Strong House is Built with HEAVY METAL

7 Gathered for Giant Sets in a body builder type workout focused on each muscle group followed by a circle of power with two burnout exercises as PAX alternated.  Rep counts to the right on the grid.

Warmup:  Side Straddle hops, low slow burpess, front straddle seal hops, wide, normal, diamond merkins.

Shoulders Bi’s Legs
5 Front Raise 1KneeCurl Front Lunge
10 Press Reg Curl Sissy Squat
15 Upright Row 1Hammer Squat
5 Front Raise 1KneeCurl Back Lunge
Circle of Power Bus Driver Lucky7Curl Calf Raise
Dynamic10 Bear Crawl Gorilla WalkL Sprint
Chest Core Back Tri
5 Side Fly Am Hammer Pullover Kickback L/R
10 1-2-3 Dolly Lawnmower Overhead Press
15 Press Crunch Plank Row Skullcrusher
5 Side Fly Am Hammer Pullover Kickback L/R
Circle of Power 1/2Merk Hold Boat Back Merk Dips
Dynamic10 Superman Pump Goofballs Gorilla WalkR Crab Walk

Announcements:  Sweti, New Tomakawk, Bermuda Triagle,

Prayers:  Gratitude for a great new day and the pax that attended, healing for the sick, wisdom to start the week.

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Crazy 8s – It can be that bad, right?

31 Pax descended upon Slow Burn for an epic adventure. A #noderate workout plus high humidity had been promised and both were granted on this day.

Personally, YHC loves what the Pax have done in creating moderate workouts across the Fort. As a result of their efforts, we have welcomed many great men who have contributed across all 3 Fs within our region. The success stories are limitless and we are proud of their efforts.

YHC felt a significant responsibility as Q of Slow Burn to lead a workout that would not be defined as moderate but would allow for modification and picking up the 6.  These are the consistent themes from the Q101 document that CSPAN put together some 5+ years ago. Several #truths weigh heavily within this document which are simplicity and scalability. Simplicity as Q is defined as keeping it familiar, less complex and don’t be shy about stealing from others (Jekyll in this case) or backblasts. Scalability as Q is defined as – a scalable workout is one that is tough for the strongest of Pax, while at the same time not over-smoking the back of the pack. All workouts are no drop; without exception. Under no circumstance should we ever leave a Pax alone.

In keeping with these two principles, YHC was to Q a workout that was both simplistic and scalable while ensuring that the Larry Birds got all they could handle.

The Thang

Mosey around Empire Pizza building (the smell was horrible) and back to Empire lot

FYI CSPAN attempted to scare a cat during this sequence…not a good idea!

COP

Windmills

Merkins

SSH

Squats

Mtn Climbers

Mosey to Lowes parking lot – Q dropped the Weinke but Rebel had my back. Thanks!

Crazy 8s – Eight exercises done during each circuit

Burpees

Derkins

Dips

Squat Jacks

Bombjacks

CDD

Lunges

Plank Jacks

Circuit was done with 1 rep (This can’t be that bad, right?!? for each exercise followed by a mosey in a figure 8 pattern around Lowes and Empire lots

Add one rep to each circuit during each of the 8 stops

Mosey back to Lowes for Mary

LBCs

Big Boys

Gravedigger L and R

Hello Dolly

Superman x 3 (Cant ever remember all of the Sale brothers nicknames!)

Mosey Home

Moleskin

After the 6th round of the circuit, YHC noticed that the Pax were beginning to tire. In an effort to leverage #pride, each man was asked to grab a partner for the exercises to ensure completion. You never want to let a partner down!

Prayers to BTB, praise to Frat Boy, prayers to Maximus on his vacation travels

Sweatie is 7/14 at 6 AM at Footloose – Does anyone really know the details? Thats a true CSAUP!

Thanks to Smithers for his leadership of Slow Burn

Pusher wuz here 7/8/18

 

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Ring of Fire and World Cup PKs at TheYard

Seems like soupy weather is quite the norm these days, and the gloom at TheYard was no different.  11 pax posted, with one an FNG soon to be named “Airsoft”.  Following in the pattern of TheYards previous workout with Chickhawk and his 2.0 Shinguard (who were MIA this week), Hurler was tasked to take the warm-up, and also helped plan the weinke for the rest of the workout.

The Thang

Disclaimer was issued and Hurler grabbed the reins for a mosey toward the west side of the middle school.  Landing in the far parking lot on that end, he lead us through warm-up.

  • Side Straddle Hops x15 (IC)
  • Imperial Walkers x15 (IC)
  • Mountain Climbers x15 (IC)
  • LBCs x10 (IC)
  • Merkins x10 (IC)
  • Run Stance Switch x10 (IC)
  • Crab Cakes x5 (IC)

Hand-off to OldBay

Main Event

Luck for us, the gates to the football field were unlocked.  We moseyed there to find 15 cones set up in a large ring around the center (about 40 yards in diameter).  Yep, all pax were about to fall into a burning ring of 🔥fire🔥.  At each cone was an exercise (with number of reps).  Each pax picked a cone (Twister was voluntold to pair with our FNG) as the starting point.  Process was as follows:

  1. Do the exercise at that cone
  2. Run all the way directly across the ring around the opposing cone, then back to the center.
  3. Plank at center for 10 seconds, then do 5 plank jacks.
  4. Proceed to next cone (clockwise).
  5. Repeat until all 15 cones where done.

The exercises were as follows:

  1. 10 Monkey Humpers (4 count)
  2. 10 Hello Dollys (4 count)
  3. 5 Burpees
  4. 10 Merkins (single count)
  5. 20 SSH (4 count)
  6. 10 Run Stance Switch (left+right = 1)
  7. 10 Bombjacks
  8. 10 LBCs (4 count)
  9. 10 Peter Parkers (4 count)
  10. 6 Morning Woods (turkish get-up w/o the bell)
  11. 10 Box Cutters
  12. Bear crawl to center and back
  13. 10 Flutters (4 count)
  14. 10 Crab Cakes
  15. 10 Speed Skaters (left+right=1)

Mid-way through, we took a quick recovery break to talk about why we say “Yes” or “No” to our friends, co-works, wives, and kids.  We also talked about fighting BOMS (bitter old man syndrome).

Next we slow-moseyed to another configuration of cones.  Pax were split into two groups, each representing an unspecified World Cup team.  Time for some PKs.  Here’s how it worked:

  1. First pax in team 1 randomly drew an exercise from the Bucket o’ Pain.
  2. Pax then attempted to kick a soccer ball between a narrow goal (1 yard) about 10 yards away.
  3. If the pax missed, his own team had to do the exercise.  If the pax scored, the other team had to do the exercise.
  4. First pax in team 2 then took a turn
  5. Repeat, alternating teams until app pax had a chance.

Mosey back to COT

Great work by all packs!  Special welcome to Airsoft, who did awesome (and special thanks to Twister for taking good care of him!).

 

 

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