Street Rings: America’s Underground Calisthenics Boom

Rolling Stone explores the rise of underground street calisthenics in the U.S., led by Abu Asada, whose In the Pit battles turn city parks into arenas of brutal pullups, dips, and muscle-ups. The scene blends high-intensity showmanship with a growing push to turn athletes into full-time pros, fueled by social media hype, sponsor interest, and a Europe‑led competitive landscape that currently sets the standard.