Daniels Laizans is a highly respected calisthenics athlete from Latvia. He began training at an early age and quickly made a name for himself in national and global competitions. Known as a calisthenics rock star, he blends powerful strength moves with creative freestyle elements, inspiring fans worldwide. Beyond his athletic career, Daniels is also a devoted father, video creator, and mentor to countless aspiring athletes looking to follow in his footsteps.
Early Life and Background
Daniels grew up in Riga, Latvia. He first experienced gymnastics at age six, which helped him build a strong foundation in body control and core strength. After a few years away from sports, he discovered calisthenics around 2012. Inspired by seeing athletes perform exciting bar tricks, he started practicing pull-ups, push-ups, and other basics every day. This dedication to simple exercises gave him the strong base he needed for more advanced moves later on.
Daniel Laizans Interview
The Road to Becoming a Champion
Daniels competed in his first local contest after about a year of training. Even at a young age, he won by focusing on solid basics and static holds like front lever. As competitions grew larger, he also developed dynamic (fast and explosive) freestyle skills, eventually taking podium spots at world events. By 2017, he became the World Champion, a major milestone in his career. His victories and powerful social media videos made him a famous figure in the calisthenics world.
Overcoming Challenges
Daniels faced hurdles beyond the workout bar. At just 15, he became a father—a life-changing event that demanded extra responsibility. With support from family and friends, he balanced childcare, school, and intense training. Even during tough times, he kept moving forward, using hardships as motivation to work harder. Over the years, he has also dealt with the pressure of fame, training slumps, and the risk of injuries. By focusing on small goals and staying true to his passions, Daniels pushed through each obstacle.
The Importance of Mindset
A strong mental approach is at the heart of Daniels success. He stresses that calisthenics is not just about physical power but also a willingness to practice day after day, even when motivation is low. He breaks down big moves into small “baby steps” to overcome fear and build confidence. For example, instead of attempting a full 360 spin right away, he practices partial rotations, perfects his grip, and gradually adds difficulty. This method helps him stay safe and consistent.
Balancing Fatherhood and Sports
Raising his son Damian while training for high-level competitions was a big challenge. Daniels credits family support and strict scheduling for letting him chase his goals. He used any free moment to practice or film, but he also made sure to spend quality time with his son. Today, he’s proud of how Damian is growing up and sees fatherhood as a source of strength rather than a setback.
Tattoos as Personal Symbols
Daniels’s distinctive look includes tattoos on his neck and arms. One of his arm tattoos is a portrait of his son, a reminder of why he trains so hard. Another tattoo, a rose on his neck, symbolizes beauty and resilience. He views tattoos as personal art that represents important events, motivations, or lessons learned, much like calisthenics movements reflect his creative approach to fitness.
Favorite Training Methods
- Sets and Reps: Daniels believes in mastering the basics first—push-ups, pull-ups, dips, and core exercises. These build a strong foundation for both dynamic tricks and static holds.
- Freestyle Practice: He enjoys practicing high-flying moves like ganger flips and giant spins, which bring excitement and creativity to his routines.
- Statics: Daniels works on skills like planche, front lever, and Maltese. Even though these moves can be extremely tough, he likes the sense of control they provide.
- App-Based Training: Daniels is involved in projects to create workout apps that guide people through structured routines. He sees technology as a great tool to teach calisthenics safely and effectively.
The Future of Calisthenics
Daniels sees calisthenics expanding worldwide. From professional competitions to casual workout parks, more people are discovering the fun and freedom of bodyweight training. He believes that social media will continue to spread the sport’s popularity, and official organizations are working to set rules for international events. As for his own role, Daniels aims to keep inspiring others through competitions, performances, and training programs that mix style, strength, and creativity.
FAQ About Daniels Laizans
How old was Daniels when he started calisthenics?
He began taking calisthenics seriously around 12 or 13 years old, but he had a basic gymnastics background from age six.
What is his most famous title?
Daniels became the World Champion in 2017 and often ranks among the top athletes in major international competitions.
Does he focus more on statics or dynamics?
He trains both. Statics like planche and front lever improve overall strength, while dynamic moves like flips and spins add excitement. Being “complete” means combining both styles.
How did fatherhood affect his training?
Daniels’s family helped with childcare so he could keep practicing. He considers fatherhood a powerful motivator that pushes him to succeed.
Does Daniels give training advice?
Yes. He suggests mastering basic strength exercises first, then adding advanced tricks step by step. He is also working on an app to help people learn safely.
Conclusion
Daniels Laizans’s journey shows that calisthenics is about more than building muscle. It’s about finding your passion, setting clear goals, and staying consistent—whether you’re a world champion or just getting started. If you balance good technique, a strong mindset, and personal motivation, you can grow both on and off the bars. His story reminds us that real strength comes from facing life’s hurdles head-on and never giving up on what truly matters.
