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 freezing January, consistency has been key. “We’ve all been hitting front lever training hard, and the improvements are showing. My progress has been slower than the guys’, which is humorously annoying,” Annie laughs. But one thing’s clear: “Everyone is pressing the front lever this term!”

Annie at the UCA Comp 2024

Strength Gains & Statics Payoff

Initially, the team worried that shifting from street lifting and one rep max to statics would cost them strength. However, Annie shares that the opposite has happened: “Statics has actually made us stronger.” She’s noticed improvements in her muscle-ups, fuelled by the team spirit. “Most of us would agree - our reps have gotten way stronger thanks to statics.”

One to watch is Megan Roberts, whose reps have been flawless in training. Annie is particularly excited for her: “She’s got a two-year winner title to defend - it’ll be amazing to see her perform.”

UCA Competition Prep & The Drive to Win:

Annie has played a pivitol role in leading Exeter through UCA competitions, having run a large squad for Brunel’s comp. This year, she’s also competing in freestyle with Chloe Palmer, and the team is determined to defend their team challenge title.

“We won last year, and we want to win again - this time, with the cleanest muscle-ups in the game,” Annie says. Last year’s form left some doubts, but now, “They’re much cleaner, and we want to take that title again.”


Trials are coming to finalise the intermediate team, followed by intense practice sessions. Exeter is known for bringing massive numbers, especially in the beginner category, but Annie gives special credit to the women’s side: “No team brings women into calisthenics like Exeter. We dominate every category, especially the team one.”

This year, female statics will be especially exciting to watch. Last year, Annie was Exeter’s only female athlete and had to compete with the men. Now, with a full women’s category, she’s pushing to add more flare and creativity to her routines, particularly in the straddle front lever and back lever variations.

 

Annie with her back-lever

Biggest Challenges & Encouraging New Competitors:

Exeter’s biggest struggle? The cold. With no indoor training facilities, they rely on informal gym sessions. “We have a group chat where we organise training, it’s not official, but it keeps us consistent.”, says Annie.

The focus now is on encouraging first-time competitors. “A lot of people think you need a full planche to compete, but that’s not true. Beginner statics, beginner reps - there’s something for everyone.” Annie wants to shift the perception that calisthenics competitions are only for elite athletes: “If you look online at other Cali comps, it seems like you need crazy moves, but UCA is accessible to all levels.”

The addition of an intermediate women’s category has also helped widen participation. “It’s great for inclusion—we want more people involved.”

Final Push: The Team’s Winning Mindset:

Since January, Annie and her informal “Exeter Street Lifters” crew have been laser-focused on statics training. She’s been working on her tucked full back lever and back lever raises, while a new fresher with insane push strength (despite an injury) has been showing off a full planche - a promising addition to the team.

After seeing the wider calisthenics scene at Brunel, Exeter’s informal Street lifting group has been training harder than ever, ready to dominate beginner statics. But for Annie, the team trophy is the real goal: “We NEED to win that trophy again. I’m desperate for it!”

With their strength, numbers, and hunger to win, Exeter is bringing the heat to the UCA competition on April 12th, 2025.

The Exeter team with their award, UCA Comp 2024




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