THE DEFINITION

Words by Carrie Stetler | Images by Akintola Hanif

The Definition’s gravity-defying workouts look like a cross between performance art, basic training and an Olympic high bar routine.

But the 15-member crew aren’t just showmen. For them, perfecting the body means developing the soul. "A lot of people look at advanced exercises as some staple of manhood or fitness and think of it as a competition,'' says Born Power, who founded The Definition in 2009. "They compromise their internal being for the sake of the external. But exercise is supposed to make your everyday existence better and enhance your quality of life.’’

Born, a personal trainer who's pursuing a degree in physical education, specializes in calisthenics that use a person's body weight to build strength and flexibility. But character and community are more important than how many pull ups you can do, he says.

"If you come to us and you're a part of our organization, it's not about how cool your exercises are or how muscular you are,’’ he says. “It's about, ‘can we depend on you?’ Can you depend on us?’ We stress family.''

Inspired by the Bar-Tendaz of Harlem, a fitness club that works out at local parks to spread their message, the Definition does the same.

"When we go out to the parks, it brings a real positive energy that's lacking in the community.’’ says Born, who grew up in Montclair. “We want the babies to know that if you start young, you can improve your quality of life. We get them to stop walking in with potato chips and start walking in with fruit. Our youngest member is nine. We call him King David.’’

Born is on a mission to combat diseases so prevalent in America: diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure.

"I have a lot of examples around me of unhealthy lifestyles,’’ he says. “That’s what propels us.’’