What’s The Difference Between Street Workout And Calisthenics?

Street workout is a term most used in Eastern Europe and harnesses the traditional meaning of an outdoor workout in a calisthenics park. Street workout, over the years, has evolved and has gained elements from other disciplines such as gymnastics and breakdance and has become the all-encompassing discipline it is today.

Calisthenics, which means ‘the beauty of strength’ in Greek, was probably first adopted in America. Like street workout, calisthenics incorporated calisthenics statics and calisthenics freestyle. ‘Calisthenics’ became synonymous with street workout and the 2 are now used interchangeably.

Calisthenics in Melbourne and other Australian cities also has a second meaning. Originally this term denoted a sport almost exclusively practiced by young girls that incorporates elements of gymnastics and dance.

This sport, given its longer history, is substantially more popular than street workout in Melbourne and other cities in Australia. The fact that the term calisthenics has evolved to mean street workout has caused some confusion. For this reason, some people in the street workout community have started calling calisthenics ‘Calisthenics Street Workout’ or Urban Calisthenics.