Calisthenics for Social Impact: Gymshark Partners with Anti-Knife Crime Charity Steel Warriors

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 exclusion while building a network of outdoor gyms nationwide.

It might seem far-fetched to think that a sport involving metal bars could spark widespread social change. But imagine telling someone that the melted steel from street knives could be transformed into outdoor gyms that change young lives—they’d likely be skeptical. Yet, this is exactly what’s happening.

Steel Warriors, however, can’t achieve this mission on their own. On September 18th, 2024, Gymshark announced a groundbreaking partnership with Steel Warriors to support their cause. This collaboration aims to transform the lives of young people impacted by knife crime, violence, and social exclusion.

Image credits, Amrit Kaur

At the launch event, on the 25th of September 2024, at Regent Street, London, the Steel Warriors team gathered at the Gymshark store to celebrate the opening of a new indoor calisthenics gym. Joined by the wider calisthenics community, young members, and guest speaker Rudy O'Halloran from Rocup—a well-established run club also powered by Gymshark.

The event highlighted the power of fitness in transforming lives. During a Q&A session, both Steel Warriors and Rocup shared their missions, using movement as a platform to tell their personal stories and inspire positive change. The event culminated in an iconic moment as young coaches, including Julia Sivacenko, cut the ribbon unveiling the newly built bars inside the store. Athletes then ‘blessed the bars,’ showcasing their skills in a powerful display of strength and community spirit.

For years, the calisthenics community has hoped for a collaboration of this scale. Not only does this mark the first-time calisthenics is being supported by a major sports brand, but it also signifies the sports’ role in tackling one of the UK's most pressing social issues: knife crime. Christian D’Ippolito, previous head of Marketing and Development at Steel Warriors, had worked tirelessly for three years to make this partnership a reality.

                                                              Image rights to the owner

Noel Mack, Chief Brand Officer at Gymshark, expressed his excitement about the initiative, stating:

‘As a proud British brand, we’re so inspired by the work Steel Warriors have done to date in the UK…we’re here to help shine a light on Steel Warriors’ mission, to encourage people to choose fitness over crime, to improve their physical and mental health.’.

When people think of a global fitness brand, they rarely imagine one that actively works to create meaningful social impact, particularly when the fitness industry is so commercially driven and influencer-centric; it’s refreshing to witness the first collaborative announcement supporting UK calisthenics. With this partnership, Gymshark—the fastest-growing fitness brand in the world—is using its influence to make a positive, transformative impact with Steel Warriors. 

Recently, body movement once again demonstrated its power to drive meaningful change and foster social cohesion. In late February 2025, Steel Warriors partnered with Spotlight, Tower Hamlets' leading creative arts, sports, and youth empowerment service, with sponsorship from The King’s Trust, to host a five-day health and fitness course for young people aged 16-25 who are not in education, employment, or training. To celebrate their achievements, participants received exclusive goodies from Gymshark, reinforcing the initiative’s commitment to inclusivity and personal growth.

                                                            Image rights, Steel Warriors

As D’Ippolito says, “Fitness should not be a privilege; it should be accessible to all.” The accessibility that these outdoor gyms provide, has transformed young lives.

While the partnership between Gymshark and Steel Warriors marks a major milestone, the work has only just begun. They are set to tackle violence, social exclusion, and knife crime by expanding a network of street gyms across the UK.

Echoing Steel Warriors' mantra: "Put Down, Pull Up, Show Up."

Written by Amrit Kaur