In the field of strength training and fitness, a practice that has gained more and more popularity is streetlifting. This discipline, born from the roots of urban culture, has evolved over the years, becoming a form of athletic expression that combines the training of strength with the urban environment. In this article we will explore the history of streetlifting, the equipment used, international events and leading figures in Europe and the world.
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History of Streetlifting
Streetlifting has its roots in urban communities, where athletes find inspiration and motivation in their surroundings. This practice has emerged as a creative response to the lack of access to traditional gyms and the urban environment that offers a variety of objects and structures usable for strength training.
The beginnings of streetlifting can be traced in larger cities, where athletes improvised with objects such as metal bars, tires, and even graffiti as reference points for their exercises. Over time, streetlifting has grown in popularity, attracting more and more practitioners looking for an alternative way to improve their strength and fitness.Streetlifting is a fascinating evolution of Calisthenics, known for its use of body weight as the main form of resistance. As part of Calisthenics, exercises such as Muscle Up, Traction, Dip and Pistol squats have always formed the basis of workouts. However, streetlifting introduced a new approach, pushing these exercises to the limit, focusing on lifting the maximum possible load in a single repetition, known as 1RM (One Repetition Maximum).
Among the main exercises practiced in streetlifting we find:
- Weighted muscle up: An iconic movement that requires strength, explosiveness and a high technical level. Muscle Up involves a smooth transition from traction to dip position, requiring considerable body control.
- Weighted Traction: Bar pull-ups are widely spread and ideal for the development of strength and muscle mass in the upper body, including back, shoulders and biceps.
- Dip Weighted: Dips, called “the Squat of the upper body”, are essential for the development of strength and muscle mass in pectorals, triceps and shoulders.
- Barbell Squat: Even if it is not a floor exercise, Barbell Squat is crucial for leg development. It is the king of exercises for the legs and allows you to measure the basic strength of the athlete through the test of 1RM.
Although in the past the Pistol Squat was proposed as an exercise, with time limits have emerged related to the possibility of overload, the danger and the difficulty of making it parametrabile in the race.
Benefits of Streetlifting
Streetlifting offers a complete path to improve strength and sculpt a physical aesthetic with little equipment and workouts faster than other strength sports such as Powerlifting or Weightlifting. This type of training involves both the upper and lower body, ensuring harmonious muscle development. The variety of exercises and the possibility of alternating phases of muscle building and definition make the program stimulating and fun, while maintaining high motivation. In addition, it promotes a balanced and functional physique, offering both aesthetic and practical benefits.
How to Start Streetlifting?
The ideal would be to rely on a coach who can guide with precision in the training path and help to achieve maximum results in the shortest time possible. For those who are starting out, it is important to start from the basics and focus on building a good base of strength and muscle mass. Gradually approaching movements like Pull-ups and Dips, focusing on the correct technique, is essential to train these movements safely.
Streetlifting: How do they work?
To ensure a fair competition, athletes are divided into weight categories. Each athlete has three attempts for each of the exercises, increasing the load with each attempt. The weight cannot be reduced during attempts and if an athlete fails to complete an attempt, he must try again until he succeeds. At the end of the tests, a score is calculated based on the total of the maximum load lifted and the weight category of the athlete.
Streetlifting and the evolution of training places
With the emergence of this new challenge, it became apparent that a well-equipped gym was needed to optimize performance and ensure safety. Streetlifting then began to break away from parks and outdoor facilities, migrating to specialized gyms. This evolution reflects the desire for a complete and serious training, leading more and more fans to embrace the facilities of gyms to achieve their goals effectively and safely.
International Streetlifting Federation (ISF)
In January 2017, a significant moment for streetlifting was marked by the founding of the International Streetlifting Federation (ISF) in Russia. This event represented an important step forward in the formalization and promotion of discipline at the international level.
The ISF was founded with the aim of uniting streetlifting athletes from around the world, providing a platform for the development of discipline, the regulation of competitions and the promotion of standards of safety and integrity. The birth of this federation has brought greater recognition and structure to the world of streetlifting, allowing athletes to compete in official events and be recognized internationally.
Among the main activities of the ISF are the organization of world championships, the definition of rules and standards for competitions and the promotion of the discipline through events, workshops and awareness initiatives. Thanks to its international presence, the ISF has helped to bring streetlifting to a wider audience, making it an increasingly popular and respected discipline in the field of fitness and strength training.
The ISF continues to play a key role in the world of streetlifting, working to promote the discipline, support athletes and ensure that the sport grows in a sustainable and inclusive way. The foundation of the ISF represents an important chapter in the history of streetlifting, highlighting its potential as a global sports discipline and inspiring a new generation of practitioners and enthusiasts.
What KingsBox equipment you will need for streetlifting
Of course, you need a chin-up bar, a dip station and a squat rack. But if you want to get the most out of your street lifting workouts, you can use the materials below.
Bar for street lift
Dip street lifting station
*For use with KingsBox rigs or racks
Street lifting weight lifting belt
To train exercises with overload, of course you need a weight belt to add weight to your chin-ups, dips and muscle-ups.
This is probably the most crucial purchase for your workout, so it is wise to invest in a high quality belt. Among our equipment, you will find what we think is the best weightlifting belt for street lifting.
Joint supports
Since you will work with heavy weights, it is wise to support your joints. You can make it knee pads and wrist bands.
Magnesite
Magnesite is ideal for providing your hands with a better grip. This is crucial during traction and muscle-ups with heavy weights.
International events and competitions
In recent years, streetlifting has gained international recognition, with the birth of events and competitions dedicated to this discipline. These competitions not only test the physical strength of athletes, but also celebrate the urban culture and creativity that characterize streetlifting.
Among the most popular events in the streetlifting circuit there are:
- Streetlifting Championships: These competitions test athletes on a series of strength and endurance tests using unconventional equipment found in the streets.
- Urban Strongman Competitions: Strongman Competitions in urban environments take a similar approach, but focus on specific strength tests, such as lifting tires or towing heavy loads over short distances, using the urban environment as a backdrop.
- World Streetlifting Federation: This federation was founded to promote streetlifting internationally and organizes events and competitions in different parts of the world, uniting athletes from different cultures and backgrounds.
Prominent European and International athletes
In the streetlifting scene, there are many athletes who have stood out for their exceptional performance and dedication to the discipline. Prominent European and international athletes include:
- Giovanni “The Urban Beast” Rossi (Italy): Rossi is known for his impressive strength and agility in streetlifting. He has won numerous international competitions and helped spread the discipline in Italy and beyond.
- Hannah “Concrete Queen” Müller (Germany): Müller is one of the main female figures in streetlifting, with a series of victories and records in her name. It is an icon for women who want to enter the world of streetlifting.
- Jack “Concrete Crusher” Smith (UK): Smith is a leading athlete in the UK, with a significant online presence that has helped bring attention to the discipline globally.
These are just a few examples of athletes who have left their mark in the world of streetlifting, demonstrating the versatility and power of this discipline.
Conclusion
Streetlifting is a unique form of strength training that combines the urban environment with a passion for fitness. Through the use of unconventional equipment and participation in international events, streetlifting athletes demonstrate their skill, creativity and determination. With a growing base of practitioners and enthusiasts worldwide, streetlifting continues to gain popularity as an alternative and challenging form of training.
