Locals hang out, work out at Miami Beach ‘Barstarzz’ gym

A nontraditional, bodyweight fitness gym has recently opened in Miami Beach at 1825 West Ave.

“There is no other gym like this anywhere in the county,” said Chris Heria, owner of Calisthenics Academy, who is also affiliated with Barstarzz, a group of New York-based calisthenics enthusiasts whose YouTube videos have been viewed by millions.

Heria, 23, has drawn large crowds over the years in Miami Beach while performing acrobatic tricks on the pull-up bars at Lummus Park at Ninth Street and Ocean Drive. He has also competed in international street-workout competitions. This fall, hundreds are expected to participate in the Miami Open Pull-up Challenge, an event Heria co-sponsors that is held at Lummus Park.

Any person, young or old, will benefit from bodyweight training, according to Heria.

“I could not even do one pullup when I started here,” said Ibrahim Ashemimry, 39, a commercial bakery owner who was named the sixth best entrepreneur in Saudi Arabia in 2014 by Forbes. “Now I do 12 and can even do handstands.”

“This is for real,” said Ashemimry, who visits the gym three times a week.

Heria said his passion in life is helping locals train and develop to their fullest potential through “elite” calisthenics and bodyweight training.

For information, call Calisthenics Academy at 786-346-6557.

This story was originally published July 13, 2015 at 4:42 PM with the headline "Locals hang out, work out at Miami Beach ‘Barstarzz’ gym."