• Post Type: Backblast
  • When: 01/27/2024
  • AO: PainLab
  • QIC: Nutria
  • FNG's:
  • PAX: Stagecoach, Hunchback, Hermie, Clavin, Tube, Maybelline, Hunk-a-Junk,

I stepped in to Q at Pain Lab on 17 hours notice.  ChatGPT (via Hunchback’s phone) provided the playlist on about 17 seconds notice as the Pain Lab Pax gathered our equipment at the picnic tables near the far end of the Schiele parking lot.  Problems were solved through mumblechatter (e.g. sleep deprivation, general state of the US Postal Service) and clothing was shed (but thankfully nothing approaching Gearwrench status) through hard work.

We began with a warmup from Roscoe before bootcampers took to the streets of the GasHouse.  Before assembling at the picnic tables, we hit shoulders hard with a Merkin Pull-through Circle of Pain, passing three kettlebells around the circle a few times.  That definitely got the blood flowing.  Next was the main event.  I explained the “30 seconds of work followed by 10 seconds of rest” concept while AI (er, I mean Hunchback) took 17 seconds to set up music.  The exercises were selected to emphasize stability and balance, things that we don’t always give the attention they deserve:
– Step-ups
– Lawn mower rows (R then L)
– One-legged overhead presses (R then L – one arm KB press)
– Bulgarian split squats (R then L) – especially tough for balance with slippery benches
– Kettlebell swings

After 3 rounds, we paused for some core work:
– American hammers
– Star crunches
– Scissor kicks
– Big boys / Heels to Heaven
– One legged babymakers (R then L) – Grunts and groans confirmed to me that everyone loved these, especially performing for some of the girl scouts coming out to load up their cars from last night’s “camp-in” event.

2 more rounds of 30 sec work / 10 sec rest followed by same core routine, then another round of 30 / 10 exercises.  Clavin had to leave to get to work somewhere in the midst of all that.  With 2 minutes left, bootcampers returned to hold plank til we heard the 8:00 church bells for pledge and COT.

Announcements:  Feb 10 Folsom Nationals

Prayers:  Wojo’s coworker, Doff’s cousin, Huckeberry, Turtleman.  Praise for Whoopee’s 2.0s’ acceptance to NCSU and prayers for all young adults to have mental and fortitude in the face of adversity.

It was an honor to lead a great crowd at PainLab.  I appreciate Hunchback for the opportunity to fill in for Voodoo and all the HIM’s who joined in the fun.  I hope you got more than your money’s worth and a good start to your Saturday!

– Nutria