Who We Are
Upstream Worldwide is a 501c3 organization dedicated to improving the current conditions for the lives of youth through service and prevention. Our Upstream thinking is a conceptual approach: A friend and I were by a river when we saw a child drowning. We both dove in to save the child, but as soon as we did then another struggling child came along, another and another. My friend and I could hardly keep up with the crisis, all of a sudden I swam back to the river's bank. My friend indignantly ask where I was going. I followed by saying, "I'm going upstream to tackle whoever is throwing these kids in the water."
The underlying purpose of this initiative is to bring awareness to the epidemic of Childhood Obesity within urban communities and to educate children and families how to be healthy and active using their body weight and the equipment found in their neighborhood and parks. In addition, we curate community events that help to create an environment where children and their families can attain their highest levels of health.
Studies have shown that calisthenics, jogging and running, and functional movement exercises offer numerous physical and mental benefits for children. To that end, we teach children through these activities how to use their body weight as a tool to build self-esteem, strength, agility and endurance combined with critical thinking and life
skills.
About Upstream Worldwide
Upstream Worldwide; originally Barcode Fitness LLC, was established to provide personal and professional development to people from all walks of life through mental and physical fitness – without the need for a gym - through the art of calisthenics. Barcode is currently a brand that represents elite calisthenic athletes throughout the world. Through the work, it was determined that there was a consistent problem in the community and an effective way to address it. Instead of dealing with the issues when they’ve already occurred or it’s too late, there was a need to go Upstream and be preventive.
The Upstream difference lies in our thorough and robust understanding of Fitness & Coaching. Upstream has a holistic understanding of fitness. Our instruction involves a journey of self through a mind, body, and soul approach. We believe that health is wealth and movement is medicine. Through the Upstream style of coaching, our development program can be applied to any individual in any environment under any circumstance. Upstream distinguishes itself from other organizations in that it utilizes fitness with philosophy and critical theory to inform its praxis. The unique perspective that Upstream theory brings to physical and mental fitness cannot be replicated without a specific curriculum and expertise.
Community Partners & Supporters
