What Is Streetlifting?
Streetlifting is a version of weighted calisthenics and a competitive strength discipline that combines elements of calisthenics and powerlifting. It was established in 2012 in Ukraine where the first competition was held. In 2017 the official governing body, the International Streetlifting Federation (ISF) was registered in Russia.
The ISF serves as the pivotal non-governmental, non-profit organization that unifies national streetlifting federations. Recognized globally, ISF takes charge of streetlifting’s development and growth. With a strong commitment to expanding the sport’s reach, ISF has worked diligently to ensure the presence of streetlifting enthusiasts on all continents, facilitating national championships and fostering the evolution of this dynamic and engaging sport
Basics of Streetlifting and its Classification
Streetlifting is a new fitness discipline that focuses on two fundamental movements: the pull-up (chin-up) on a horizontal bar and weighted dips on parallel bars. Some competitions also include muscle-ups and barbell back squats.
Streetlifting competitions, organized by the International Streetlifting Federation (ISF), encompass two distinct directions: Streetlifting Classic and Streetlifting Multilift.
In the weighted pull-ups category, participants execute the exercise using either a direct or reverse closed grip. The use of varying grips is prohibited. Athletes start by hanging on a crossbar with straightened arms. Upon the referee’s “Start” command, they ascend until the chin reaches above the bar.
For weighted dips, athletes must place their thumbs on the inside of the bars while the other fingers rest on the outside. Starting above the bars with straightened arms, the “Start” command is given when the athlete is stationary. The movement involves descending until the triceps reaches a 90-degree angle parallel to the bars, or lower.
Permitted equipment includes weight belts and wrist bandages. These specifications, governed by the International Streetlifting Federation, underscore the rigorous nature of streetlifting and the precision required to excel in these exercises.
Classic Streetlifting
Classic Streetlifting competitions consist of two main exercises: weighted pull-ups on a horizontal pull-up bar and weighted dips on parallel bars. Athletes undertake these exercises in alternating rounds to achieve the highest possible number of repetitions within each round. Each exercise is executed over three rounds. After each round, the participants are allowed to add more weight onto their weight belt. 2-3 judges evaluate the performances, and the total weight of the best attempts across both exercises makes up the overall score.
Below you can sneak peek into a Streetlifting Championship DACH (Germany, Austria, Switzerland) which was won by Micha Schulz – congrats!
Multilift Streetlifting
Streetlifting’s Multilift division adds an extra layer of challenge to the realm of bodyweight exercises. Athletes alternate between two exercises: weighted pull-ups on a horizontal bar and weighted dips on parallel bars.
Athletes have a single round for each exercise to perform as many repetitions as possible. The participants choose the additional weight prior to the competition, with the weights differing based on gender and age groups. They are not allowed to change the chosen weight later. Judges tally the total number of repetitions for each exercise, based on which the winner is decided.
In the Multilift division, men work with added fixed weights, while women perform exercises using their bodyweight. For pull-ups, the added weights for different categories are as follows:
- Teenagers: 8 and 16 kg
- Juniors: 16, 24, and 32 kg
- Open: 24 and 32 kg
- Masters: 16, 24, and 32 kg
For dips, the additional weights vary as follows:
- Young men: 8 and 16 kg
- Juniors: 16, 24, and 32 kg
- Open: 24, 32, and 48 kg
- Masters: 16, 24, 32, and 48 kg
What is the difference between Streetlifting and Weighted Calisthenics?
Understandably there might be some confusion as to the difference between these two disciplines. From an outside view, both look very similar. Both disciplines involve bodyweight exercises such as pull-ups, chin-ups, and dips where the intensity is increased by the addition of extra weight. But the similarities end here.
The main difference between streetlifting and calisthenics is that streetlifting is a competitive endeavor while weighted calisthenics is a training method where the primary purpose is to increase strength, muscle mass, and overall body coordination.
In order to perform well in a streetlifting competition one would train weighted calisthenics to gain the necessary strength for winning. In a way, streetlifting is a sub-category of weighted calisthenics where athletes measure up to each other as to who is the strongest.
Streetlifting Athletes to Follow
Micha Schulz
Nadine Schulz
Julia Kleinhansl
It’s still quite a young discipline with low visibility. If you know any more athletes worth following please share in the comments!
Written by: Andy Toth
Andy is the founder of calisthenics.com and he writes about topics related to strength and hypertrophy training.
Andy has over 15 years of experience in calisthenics and before that he spent 8 years practicing and later coaching martial arts (Kyokushin karate). Besides bodyweight strength training he enjoys Olympic weightlifting and cycling. He tries to stay active every day and rides an average 5000 miles per year.
Written by: Andy Toth
Andy is the founder of calisthenics.com and he writes about topics related to strength and hypertrophy training. Andy has over 15 years of experience in calisthenics and before that he spent 8 years practicing and later coaching martial arts (Kyokushin karate). Besides bodyweight strength training he enjoys Olympic weightlifting and cycling. He tries to stay active every day and rides an average 5000 miles per year.
