Gravity-defying workouts

A group of six fitness enthusiasts in the Weltevreden Park and Roodepoort areas are changing the way ordinary people would use the gym by defining gravity with calisthenics.

Calisthenics consists of a variety of gross motor movements, often rhythmical, without using equipment in the essence of body-weight training. It increases body strength, fitness and flexibility through pulling or pushing yourself up, bending, jumping or swinging, using your body weight for resistance.

The group, who call themselves 1 Levitation, got introduced to the relatively new form of training in 2014 and started introducing it in their daily workouts and to other gyms in Randburg and Roodepoort.”Calisthenics is the true test of strength. There are different stages and variations when starting off. We all came together as individuals and started training as a team. We are all interested in working out and we took that interest and brought it together in calisthenics,” said Pieter du Plessis, a member of the group.

The group works out in different locations to encourage every person to try out the world of calisthenics and marvel at what their body can do. Doing complicated stunts called the ‘human flag’ and the ‘typewriter’ – their aim is to take the sport and make it accessible to anyone looking to push themselves physically and most importantly, mentally.

“We are constantly working and perfecting form, control and precision. You don’t just focus on one muscle group but the entire body and balance. Anyone from any age can do calisthenics,” added Panashe Sibanda.

1 levitation is gearing up to compete in several upcoming shows nationally and will look to secure a spot to compete on the international stage later this year.

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