Imagine running through a city with the speed of a cat and the grace of a dancer. You leap over obstacles, climb walls, and swing from railings—all using just your body. That, in a nutshell, is parkour.
TL;DR: Parkour is a sport where people move through environments—like cities or forests—using climbing, jumping, and running. It’s all about efficiency, speed, and flow. Anyone can try it, and it doesn’t require fancy gear. It can be practiced indoors in gyms or outdoors almost anywhere.
What Exactly Is Parkour?
Parkour is also called free running or art du déplacement (the art of movement). It’s about moving from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible.
It started in France in the 1980s and was inspired by military obstacle course training. One of the pioneers was David Belle, whose father was a firefighter and taught him agility and strength techniques.
Today, parkour is a global phenomenon. You might see people practicing it in parks, on rooftops, or at special training gyms.
What Moves Are Used in Parkour?
Parkour uses a mix of cool, creative moves. Here are some basics:
- Vaults: Quick ways to get over rails or walls, like the kong vault or speed vault.
- Wall Runs: Running up vertical walls to climb over or grab onto something high.
- Precision Jumps: Jumping from one small spot to another, like between ledges.
- Cat Grabs: Grabbing onto a wall after a jump, often followed by climbing over it.
- Rolls: A technique for absorbing shock after landing from a jump. This keeps you from getting hurt.
Over time, practitioners build their own flow and style. They mix moves together to create smooth sequences.
Is Parkour the Same as Freerunning?
They’re similar, but not exactly the same.
- Parkour: Focuses on efficiency—how quickly and smoothly can you get from A to B?
- Freerunning: Adds flips, spins, and tricks. It’s more about expression and style.
Basically, all freerunners practice parkour, but not all traceurs (parkour practitioners) do flips and tricks.
Is Parkour Safe?
Yes, if practiced correctly. Just like any sport, you need to start slow and train smart.
Begin with basic strength and movement drills. Learn to land safely. Roll to spread the impact. Use mats when training indoors.
What makes parkour safer:
- Training low before going high
- Proper warm-ups
- Learning how to fall and recover
- Using safety gear like wrist guards or padded mats when needed
Rule number one: Know your limits and respect them.
Where Can You Practice Parkour?
Pretty much anywhere! That’s part of the fun.
- Urban areas: Stairs, rails, benches, and walls provide endless challenges.
- Parks: Trees and rocks make great natural obstacles.
- Gyms: Special parkour gyms have padded floors and foam pits for safe practice.
- Homes: Yes, you can even practice simple footwork or balance drills at home.
Important: Always be respectful of property and people around you. Parkour is about being mindful.
Do You Need Special Equipment?
Nope! That’s one of the best parts of parkour. All you need is:
- Comfortable clothes—something you can move in
- Good shoes with grip and flexibility
You don’t need pads, boards, or helmets, but beginners might use wrist guards or knee protection while learning.
Why Do People Love Parkour?
Because it’s freedom. No rules, no teams—just you and your environment.
Here are some reasons people get hooked:
- It’s fun: Every session feels like a playground challenge.
- Great exercise: Builds strength, speed, and coordination.
- Mental toughness: Overcoming fear of new moves is part of the thrill.
- Community: Parkour groups are supportive and chill. Everyone wants you to succeed.
Is Parkour for Everyone?
Absolutely. You don’t have to be super athletic to start.
Kids, teens, adults—even seniors—can begin training at their level. Many gyms offer beginners’ classes. And online communities share tutorials and support.
Parkour encourages progression. Learn at your own pace. Start small, dream big.
Can Parkour Help in Real Life?
Yes! It helps with:
- Balance and coordination: Useful for everyday activities
- Confidence: Tackling new challenges teaches courage
- Quick thinking: You learn to adapt and move fast
- Fitness: It’s a total body workout, and it’s fun!
Some people even say it feels like being a superhero. Running up walls? Jumping like a ninja? Yes, please!
How to Start Parkour
Here’s a simple path to begin:
- Learn the basics: Focus on balance, jumping, and landing safely.
- Find a local group or gym: Training with others is motivating and safer.
- Watch tutorials: YouTube is full of beginner-friendly guides.
- Practice regularly: Start 2 or 3 times a week for best results.
- Be consistent: Progress comes from practice, not perfection.
Remember: It’s a journey. Every expert was once a beginner who decided to keep going.
Famous Parkour Moments
You’ve probably seen parkour in movies and games without realizing it!
- James Bond in “Casino Royale”—the opening chase is pure parkour action.
- Video games like “Assassin’s Creed” and “Mirror’s Edge” are inspired by parkour movement.
- Parkour in Olympics? It’s not official yet, but people are pushing for it!
Final Thoughts
Parkour is more than a sport. It’s a way to move, think, and live. It teaches you how to turn obstacles into opportunities.
Start small. Stay safe. Move free.
And most importantly—have fun while doing it!