What is Parkour? A Complete Guide on this Creative Urban Sport

What is Parkour?

Parkour, originally known as l'art du dplacement, is a training discipline focused on efficient movement around obstacles. Practitioners aim to get from point A to point B as quickly and efficiently as possible, while only using their bodies. Parkour includes running, climbing, jumping, vaulting, rolling, and other methods of traversing the environment.

History of Parkour

Parkour was developed in the late 1980s in the Parisian suburb of Lisses by a group of nine traceurs, led by David Belle and Sbastien Foucan. Belle drew inspiration from his father Raymond's similar methode naturelle training as a child. The group trained together to develop more efficient ways to move in urban environments while having fun.

Originally using the term l'art du dplacement, the group eventually adopted "parkour" based on the French word "parcours," meaning "route" or "course." As parkour spread around the world in the 2000s via movies and internet videos, it became a recognized recreational and competitive sport.

Basic Movements in Parkour

Some basic parkour moves include:

• Vaulting - Using the hands to lift the body over obstacles
• Jumping - Especially precision jumping, landing accurately
• Climbing - Scaling walls and other structures
• Rolling - Absorbing impacts to manage drops
• Quadrupedal movement - Running on all fours

By chaining basic moves together smoothly and quickly, traceurs (parkour practitioners) can tackle increasingly complex obstacles as they improve their skills.

Benefits of Parkour

Training in parkour provides many physical and mental benefits including:

Functional Fitness

Parkour develops balance, coordination, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Movements exercize muscles in the whole body, improving general athletic capabilities. Parkour athletes tend to be lean and well-rounded in fitness.

Confidence

Facing fears and overcoming difficult obstacles builds strong self-confidence. As skills improve, traceurs gain assurance in their abilities to navigate challenging situations.

Community

Most parkour gyms and groups strongly emphasize supporting and motivating your training partners. Working together promotes friendship and camaraderie.

Creative Problem Solving

Finding ways over, under and through obstacles.requires creative vision and spatial awareness. Parkour develops open and adaptable mindsets in its practitioners.

Stress Relief & Enjoyment

The intense focus required while training forces external worries to fade away. Many traceurs find the fluid motion of parkour, often referred to as flow, to be highly enjoyable and even meditative.

Getting Started with Parkour

Parkour rewards consistent, intelligent practice using proper technique. While hugely rewarding, developing skills takes time and discipline - expecting overnight success will lead to discouragement and increased risk of injury.

Find a Qualified Coach

Getting expert instruction in parkour technique drills and movement progressions right from the start will ingrain good habits and help you improve safely and efficiently. Look for an experienced coach affiliated with a legitimate gym.

Prioritize Correct Technique

Nail the basics like precision landings, balance, rolling and vaulting using proper form before moving on to more advanced skills. Mastering the foundations is essential for avoiding injury as you take on bigger obstacles.

Know Your Limits

Push your abilities incrementally by gauging risk appropriately and being honest with your current skill level. Attempting moves far beyond your capability is asking for trouble. Leave your ego aside.

Train Consistently

Parkour skills require constant reinforcement and incremental expansion. Frequent, measured practice is needed to build neuromuscular pathways. Take rest days to recover, but keep up regular conditioning.

With an open mind, courage to face challenges, consistent intelligent practice, support from your community and emphasis on proper technique, youll find parkour an incredibly rewarding way to develop functional fitness, creative problem solving skills and lasting friendships.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.