ThatCaliJourno

  Exeter's Road to UCA Comp: Setting the bar in the statics & Chasing Titles With UCA’s third competition around the corner, Exeter’s calisthenics team has pushed statics harder than ever. “We’re really excited to elevate our statics game, especially for our intermediate athletes,” says Annie. Many members have already unlocked their back levers, and the recent  beginner statics category  for men has motivated them to refine their skills and create exciting routines. Under the guidance of committee members and training officers Gem, competitors, and non-competitors have made huge strides. “Even those not competing in beginners have picked up new variations, single back levers are coming along, and a few of the girls should unlock theirs by comp day.” Exeter team at the UCA Comp 2024 Standout progress includes: - Ethan securing his front lever - Jess & Eddie making significant back-lever gains - Jem unlocking a  straddle planche Despite training through freezi...

Image credits, Amrit Kaur In today’s world, gym memberships are becoming increasingly expensive, social exclusion is on the rise, and knife crime remains a significant issue in the UK. This is where the sport of calisthenics steps in. Not everyone is familiar with the term 'calisthenics', much less what it entails. This growing sport, which relies solely on body-weighted movements, is now being harnessed as a tool to drive social change , specifically in the fight against knife crime in the UK. Steel Warriors , an anti-knife crime charity , has been innovatively addressing this issue: by recycling steel from confiscated knives to build outdoor street gyms . Since 2019, over 100,000 knives have been removed from the streets, and since its inception in 2017, Steel Warriors has been on a mission to melt down these weapons and turn them into gyms that provide young people with a positive alternative . The goal is to help those affected by knife crime, violence, and social ...