PARKOUR

Im intrested in learning about parkour and free running forget the fact that its a monster workout it just looks like fun. Id like to know how to get started, what equipment is needed, and different workouts I can add to build flexibility, speed, endurance, and strength to do parkour. Also if there is anyone in the Amarillo area who teaches or just knows where people get together to do parkour Id really like to get involved.

Replies

  • Ellyabell
    Ellyabell Posts: 49 Member
    I am looking into parkour as well, there is a lot of good stuff on youtube to start with. Just look up "training parkour" or something similar.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTJgOcbgqDY

    Here are also a lot of resources: http://betterfly.com/category/freerunning-parkour

    Unfortunately I'll need a while to build up my strength, I totally fail at doing pull ups.
  • cgboal
    cgboal Posts: 1
    Been doing parkour for almost a year and i do a fair amount of coaching, although i am not yet officially qualified. None the less all you need to start parkour is some loose clothes and reasonable foot wear (i.e trainers) and somewhere outside. You can search your local community for parkour groups (usually informal) or you can search youtube for tutorials on movements. Some good channels are epic1 and laflairparkour. Have fun and train safe :D
  • cats847
    cats847 Posts: 131
    I started training at a parkour gym recently. I think parkour requires a lot of explosive strength from your legs to get good jumps, core strength for the vast amounts of balance required, and good upper-body strength, especially pulling strength. A strong grip is also crucial.

    I think bodyweight exercise seems to go well with parkour -- since after all, you are throwing your body weight around. Squats, jumping squats, pull-ups, push-ups, and planks are helpful. You can train your grip by doing pull-ups from a hanging towel draped over the bar, the ends of which you have to hold on to. Hill sprints can develop explosive power in the legs. Don't forget about stretching your whole body for flexibility too -- you might want to look into some yoga poses.
  • bumblebums
    bumblebums Posts: 2,181 Member
    Yeah, practice explosive body weight exercises. Clapping/Muai Tai push-ups:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fxpe-abGwoc

    Pull-ups, eventually working up to muscle ups:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X2Sr6FFdcII

    And various high jumps (box jumps, etc.)
  • jdm_taco
    jdm_taco Posts: 999 Member
    so impressed by these guys.


    Make sure you have good insurance. lol!!!
  • rayvynn5374
    rayvynn5374 Posts: 272 Member
    Short version...do parkour with EXTREME caution!

    Longer version.....My 19yo started doing parkour a few years ago. Always scared his momma! Worried he would break his neck flipping off things. 2 weeks before he was to leave for Marine Corps boot camp we got the call.
    Kid "Mom I've messed up and can't drive the car home." Initial thought was ok he has been drinking and called his parents, cool right? then I realized the fear in his voice.
    Me "What's wrong?"
    Kid "I messed my feet up, bad."
    Me "What do you mean? Cut or like broken?" At this point I realize he is crying.
    Kid "I think they are broken."
    Me "Where are you?"
    Kid "I am at the gym."
    Me "We are on the way"
    Husband I get there, Husband takes him to ER and he has shattered both his heels. Not Broke...SHATTERED!!!! Guess who had to be wheel chair for 2 months and not ship out to boot camp for 4 months? Yup my kid.
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    I know the thread is a bit dated but thought the op might appreciate http://www.nerdfitness.com/blog/2010/08/12/the-definitive-guide-to-parkour-for-beginners/
  • Hey guy who rote about his sons shattered heels I'm not being a critic however if he was jumping off something high which I assume he was cause he shattered his heels he should have been landing on his toes and rolling out of the fall
  • Hey guy who rote about his sons shattered heels I'm not being a critic however if he was jumping off something high which I assume he was cause he shattered his heels he should have been landing on his toes and rolling out of the fall