Introduction

Free Running or Parkour is a physical exercise that involves running, jumping and vaulting to overcome obstacles. It is a discipline requiring agility, strength, and quick reaction. Parkour was born in France in 1980 and has gained popularity around the world. This guide will help you learn the basics of parkour, including how to use equipment and safety tips.

What is Parkour?

Parkour is the sport of moving as quickly and efficiently from one place to another using only your body. Parkour is not a sport with rules and it’s not a competition. It is a discipline based on creativity and self-improvement. The goal of parkour is to overcome obstacles in a way that is both aesthetically pleasing and efficient.

The Importance Of Basic Parkour Techniques

For any aspiring parkour athletes, mastering basic parkour technique is essential. The foundation of all advanced movements is the basic techniques. It is difficult to perform complex parkour moves safely and effectively without a solid foundation. Basic techniques are crucial to injury prevention as they teach proper body control and landing techniques.

Parkour Gear

Parkour is not a sport that requires equipment, but certain gear enhances the experience and reduces the risk of injury. Proper footwear is the most important piece of equipment for parkour. Parkour athletes need shoes that are lightweight, flexible, and have a good grip. Clothing that is comfortable and allows for movement is important.

Essential Parkour Techniques

Parkour techniques are divided into two categories – vaults and leaps. Vault techniques are used to pass over an obstacle using one or both of the hands and propelling your body forward. Jumping techniques involve bouncing over an obstacle without touching the obstacle. Here are some essential parkour techniques every parkour athlete must master.

The Kong Vault

The Kong vault is an extremely popular vault technique. It involves jumping on top of the obstacle, placing both hands there while your body passes beneath it. The Kong vault can be used to overcome obstacles too high for a normal vault.

The Safety Vault

The Safety vault is an obstacle-passing technique where you place one hand on the obstacle and jump off the other foot. The Safety vault is an essential technique for overcoming lower barriers.

The Monkey Vault

The Monkey Vault is a technique where you jump onto the obstacle and land on the other side. It is useful for obstacles that aren’t too high.

Precision Jump

Precision jumping is a technique for jumping from one place to another with precision. It is an effective technique for overcoming gaps in tall buildings or other obstacles.

Safety Tips for Parkour

It is important to take the proper safety precautions when practicing parkour. Here are some tips to stay safe while doing parkour.

Warm-up

It is important to warm up before you practice parkour in order to prevent injury. Warming up before parkour is crucial for injury prevention.

Know Your Limits

It is important to know your limits in order to prevent injury. Do not try advanced movements until you are comfortable with the basics.

Practice on Soft Surfaces

Practice on soft surfaces like grass or a mat to reduce the impact and prevent injuries. Avoid practicing on surfaces like concrete or asphalt.

Practice in a group

It is safer to practice parkour with a group than alone. Ensure that everyone in the group has a similar level of skill and is wearing appropriate safety gear.

Listen to your body

Stop immediately and rest if you feel any pain or discomfort. Ignoring pain could lead to serious injury.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated helps to maintain endurance and reduces the risk of injury. Drink water before, after, and during parkour.

Parkour has many benefits

Parkour has many benefits for the body and mind. Here are some of the many benefits of parkour.

Strength and Conditioning

Practice of parkour can improve balance, coordination, strength, and cardiovascular endurance. It is a full body workout that can increase flexibility and help build lean muscles.

Mental Toughness

Parkour requires quick reactions, problem-solving abilities, and the ability of thinking under pressure. Parkour can boost confidence and improve mental toughness.

Creativity

Parkour is a form of art that encourages creativity and expression. It is a sport where athletes can develop their own style of movement.

Community

Parkour is a sport which fosters a feeling of community and camaraderie. Parkour practiced in a group can build social connections and support systems.

Conclusion

Parkour is an unique sport that requires agility, strength, and quick reaction times. It is important for any aspiring athlete to master the basics of parkour. Safety precautions are also necessary to avoid injuries. Parkour has many benefits for the body and mind, including increased strength, mental toughness and creativity. Parkour is a rewarding and challenging experience for all levels of athletes, whether you are a beginner.