Street workout gaining popularity in Kazakhstan (PHOTO)

The number of its followers in the republic exceeded 100 thousand people, and 10,000, in Astana, according to our correspondent's report. Street workout is a physical activity performed mostly in outdoor parks or public facilities. It is a combination of athletics, calisthenics, and sports. Street Workout is a modern name for bodyweight workout in outdoor parks. A typical street workout routine often consists of exercises such as pull-ups, chin-ups, push-ups, dips, muscle-ups, sit-ups, crunches and squats. Street workout also involves some static (isometric) holds such as the human flag, front lever, back lever and planche. Street workout has been widely popularized through Youtube and is popular among younger generations. Some of the main appeals of Street Workout over more traditional activities are: It is completely free, it promotes healthy living and socializing and a desirable physique can be attained with it. In Kazakhstan, street workout is officially recognized as a type of sport. Today the country has a Street Workout Federation, registered in the Agency for Sports and Physical Education. A history of the sport began in 2009. A group of enthusiasts headed by Islam Badurgov, founder of the sport in Kazakhstan and the current President of the Federation, together with Vice President Ramazan Omarov, decided to equip a playground for street workout near the Kazakh-Russian University in Astana. But there was one problem. Extremely cold winters in Astana do not to workout outdoors. Sponsors helped to solve the problem and the followers of the sport have opened a specialized gym "Bar Bars" with all the necessary sports equipment. The gym was presented by Denis Minin, who is well known among street workout's followers. Denis Minin is best known for -ladder climbs, front levers and muscle ups with 55 lb (25 kg) weight vest. Denis is insane when it comes to body weight calisthenics. He is the "Michael Jordan" in Ukraine. He frequently organizes street competitions for youth in Ukraine through his organization Street-Workouts.org. His mission is to get kids off the street and inspire them to make something of their life. Minin is totally against using supplements or protein powders. He relies on real, clean food and is committed to spreading this message. Th e gym, presented by Minin in Astana, is of free access for children under 12 years old, as well as for youth from low-income families. Today Kazakh federation holds various events, including charities. "Bar Bars" team has visited Russia, Ukraine, and the United Arab Emirates. In April 2013, the first world street workout championship was carried out involving teams from 11 countries. This year it is planned to hold the second championship, which is expected to be attended by teams from 30 countries, as well as international stars of street workout. Famous Kazakhstani VJ and actor Arthur Tolepov, who played in "Zhauzhurek myn Bala" movie, is also an active follower of street workout. He is the member of Bar Bars team. "Street workout occupies in my life a huge place. I am sure that after a while the majority of young people will engage in this sport!", said Arthur.