Q&A with street workout team BarMob’s Tori Beaumont

Q&A with street workout team BarMob’s Tori Beaumont

WHL chats to BarMob‘s Tori Beaumont, the street workout team that incorporates calisthenics, bar workouts and other bodyweight-only exercises to get everyone moving.

What is your background in fitness?

A My background in fitness is not extensive. I didn’t do much as a child or in my teens. It’s definitely something that I came into later on in life. I was someone who just went on the treadmill, as I didn’t know what else to do with regards to training until I got involved with calisthenics. Then through that I went onto become a PT and a qualified WCO certified calisthenics instructor.

When did you first discover strength training?

I first came across strength training when I saw two guys in the gym doing ‘human flags’ and thought ‘wow: that’s insane’. I stared in awe at how they were using their bodies to move and the sheer strength and control they had. We ended up talking and they asked if I was interested in coming along to train with them, I jumped at the chance and it went from there. At that point I couldn’t do a pull-up or a proper push up, but I was intrigued by what they were doing, so just wanted to have a go.

When did you first realise you were talented?

I don’t feel like it was realising I was talented, it was more a case of finding a discipline that completely took me out of my comfort zone – there are no short cuts, just a lot of perseverance. You 100 per cent get out what you put in. Plus, it’s a fun way of meeting new people and helping and encouraging each other to grow through a shared passion.

What inspired you to pursue calisthenics?

That would have to be my team mates Aslan and Jordan. They originally got me involved and started up the team BarMob, which is now the team I represent. Taking up calisthenics helped me get through a difficult time in my life by putting my energy into being active and taking on a new challenge.  It also helped me meet new people. It was the beginning of a new chapter and I haven’t looked back.

Who do you look up to?

An inspiration of mine is Tatted Strength – a calisthenics athlete from America. He is incredible at what he does and his passion for calisthenics is as real as it gets. He is a truly humble, I look up to him and his dedication to a discipline he loves, which helps and inspires others worldwide.

What’s your favourite move and why?

One of my favourite moves has to be the ‘human flag’. It’s the move I saw before I began calisthenics so to be able to now perform it and in turn help others to progress and learn it gives me a real buzz!

What would you say to encourage more women to try calisthenics training?

Get involved as it’s an incredible achievement. It feels empowering to be able to move and lift your own bodyweight. It takes determination and hard work, but it’s so rewarding. And you gain so much by getting strong and aesthetically it has given the best results I’ve ever had. It is a never-ending process, as you are always learning and progressing. It’s brilliant.

Why do you think it has become so popular?

I feel like the movement of training has progressed so much over the last few years. And women being functionally fit and strong is embraced so much more. Women encouraging other women is stronger than ever, which is such a positive movement. It’s not about being strong for a woman. It’s just being strong.

What other kinds of exercise do you do and why?

I pursue other training to help complement my calisthenics training. I really love boxing, I also weight train, as a good heavy leg day is needed! Occasionally I do yoga, plus I incorporate flexibility training.

What’s your proudest moment so far?

Competing in Sweden at the European Opens and placing 3rd. I never dreamed a year ago that I would be anywhere near being able to get up and compete. I was working as cabin crew and still fairly new to fitness. I’d no background in the competition world, so to place along some of the strongest woman in Europe was an incredible moment. If I can help motivate other women to get involved and believe you can achieve anything if you put the time and training in, then that’s a massive achievement.

You might also like our ultimate fitness guide or our review of London gym City Strongman.