If you’ve seen apes or monkeys running, jumping, and vaulting through the jungle canopy you know they are natural parkour specialists. Did you know that humans have studied and adopted their movements in order to become better free runners themselves? This comprehensive guide will explore the fascinating world parkour monkeys, its origins and techniques, as well as its benefits.

What is Parkour?

The discipline of Parkour is a form of physical training that involves overcoming obstacles with the body. Parkour was developed by Frenchman David Belle back in the late 1980s. Since then, it has spread around the world, inspiring thousands to explore their limits. Parkour is a great way to stay fit and challenge yourself. It requires a combination athleticism, mental concentration, and creativity.

The Origins of Parkour Monkey

The first recorded parkour monkey dates back to the 1930s when a German group of researchers studied the locomotion patterns of primates. They observed that primates could perform intricate and efficient movements. They attributed this to their ability navigate through the forest canopy. Zoos around the globe used these movements to help rehabilitate primates that were injured.

The parkour monkey didn’t really take off until the early 2000s. This was largely due to a group in France that began incorporating monkey movements into their training. These movements include swinging from overhead bars, using momentum for horizontal surfaces, and jumping from ledge-to-ledge with ease. The result is an acrobatic and fluid style of parkour, which takes its inspiration from animals.

Parkour Monkey: Benefits

Parkour monkey has many benefits, both mental and physical. Parkour monkey improves balance, coordination, and strength. It can also reduce stress and anxiety because the intense concentration needed to navigate tricky obstacles provides a much-needed feeling of clarity and focus. Mentally, parkour can boost confidence and self-esteem as participants learn how to overcome their fears.

Parkour Monkey Techniques

There are a number of different techniques that parkour monkey requires. All of them require a high level of athleticism and skill. Some of the most popular techniques include:

The Wall Run

The wall run is a parkour monkey move that involves running up a vertical surface, pushing off with your feet to propel yourself upward. This move requires speed, precision, strong leg muscles, and a good balance.

The Kong Vault

The Kong vault is a technique that involves pushing off with your hands while tucking in the legs and leaping over an obstruction. This move requires a strong upper body, quick reflexes and the ability to judge angles and distances accurately.

The Cat Balance

The cat balance is achieved by using both arms and legs to navigate along a narrow ledge, or through a gap on a wall. This move requires great focus, balance and the ability to control your movements precisely.

The Underbar

Underbar is a technique that involves ducking under an obstacle such as a railing, or a low-hanging tree branch, and then pushing with your feet to get back up. This move requires good timing and strong leg muscles, as well as the ability of judging distances and angles accurately.

Parkour Monkey Training Tips

There are some key tips you should keep in mind if you want to become a parkour monk practitioner. It’s important to begin slowly and gradually build your skills, as parkour can be dangerous when not done properly. Work with a qualified trainer who can teach you the proper technique and safety methods.

It’s also important to build a solid foundation of strength and agility, as these are both essential for performing parkour moves effectively and safely. This could include weightlifting, calisthenics and parkour-specific stretches.

It’s also important to practice parkour in a controlled and safe environment, like a parkour gym, or an obstacle course outdoors that is well maintained. Always be aware of the environment and choose obstacles that suit your skill level.

The Future of Parkour Monkey

It’s evident that parkour monkey has a bright and promising future as it continues to grow in popularity around the globe. No matter if you’re an experienced parkour practitioner or just curious, it’s impossible to deny the athleticism and creativity that go into parkour monkey movements. Why not give it a go and join the ranks the world’s most impressive primates who run free?