INTRODUCING ELIAS
From climbing to mastering calisthenics strength and skills
Movement came to Elias in an unexpected way. He started with climbing for several years, learning how strength felt and building control in his body. When he was 19, lockdowns closed climbing gyms. To maintain his strength, he began exploring calisthenics, which would soon become the main focus of his training.
Early strengths and beginnings
At the start of his calisthenics journey, Elias could not yet do ten regular push-ups on the floor, but he could perform seven one-arm pull-ups on each side. His early training was pull-focused, but he gradually started working on pushing movements as well. He dedicated months to repetition, fundamentals, and consistent practice. Front lever work became part of his routine and helped him build balanced strength and control.
Fully committing to calisthenics
Eventually, climbing no longer captured his interest and Elias dedicated himself fully to calisthenics. In the first six months, he trained by grinding repetitions and experimenting with new movements. He tried freestyle combinations, exploring creativity and technical skills. Freestyle was not his favorite, and he realized he preferred raw power and control.
He briefly explored streetlifting due to his strength, but after a few months he returned to static holds and skill training. For the past two years, his main focus has been on pull-ups and static strength, making them the center of his athletic life.
Competition experience
Elias has competed for the past two and a half years. He began with freestyle competitions, which require both skill and flow. Later, he shifted his focus to static competitions, where execution, control, and strength are prioritized. In 2024, he participated in six competitions, including five international events. He experienced a variety of results, including podium finishes. One notable achievement was third place in the Semi-Pro category at the Barbenders Static Cup. He also won an event in Frankfurt, demonstrating the progress of his training.
Training mindset and lifestyle
Elias trains through challenges, soreness, and minor injuries. He has dealt with bicep tendonitis and other aches, but he continues to push forward. For him, growth comes from consistent practice, analysis, and refining his skills. Training is about preparing for competitions while also building long-term strength and resilience.
He focuses on competition rounds, combining multiple skills and holds in succession. This requires volume, repetition, endurance, and precision. His current goal is to perform advanced skills cleanly under competition conditions.
Current skill focus
Elias is refining specific skills rather than learning new ones. His main areas of focus include plyometric push-ups, pronated Maltese strength, one-arm strength, and the one-arm planche. These skills demand strength, control, and consistency. His priority is clean execution and connecting multiple movements during rounds.
Motivation and goals
Competitions give structure and purpose to his training, but winning is not the only motivation. Elias trains to feel powerful, capable, and excellent at his craft. His approach combines consistent effort, focus, and a mindset of continuous improvement. This dedication makes him a standout athlete in the Belgian calisthenics community.