Are you looking for a fun and unique way to stay active and fit? Have you ever thought about trying parkour? You’re in luck if you live in Seattle or the surrounding areas. The city is home to some the most prestigious parkour training spots and communities in America. This comprehensive guide will cover everything you need about parkour Seattle. Its history, philosophy, best places to train, and the essential skills that you need. Let’s get started!

What is Parkour?

Parkour, also known by free running, is a discipline that requires you to move quickly and efficiently through obstacles like walls, buildings, railings and more with your body. Parkour is more than just navigating obstacles. It also aims to do so gracefully and fluidly, much like a dancer. Parkour practitioners are called traceurs and they use a variety of moves to overcome obstacles, such as vaults and jumps.

Parkour was born in the Paris suburbs in the 1980s. It was a subculture that young people started to explore as a way to escape their daily lives. David Belle, the founder of parkour was inspired by his father’s military training and the natural movements that animals make. Parkour has evolved to a worldwide movement with dedicated practitioners.

Parkour Philosophy

Parkour is based on the philosophy of self-improvement, and the ability overcome obstacles both mental and physical. Parkour is more than a hobby or sport. It is a way to live that encourages personal growth, resilience and creativity. Parkour practitioners train their bodies to adapt to any situation, think on their feet and stay focused under pressure. These are the principles that underpin parkour’s philosophy:

• Efficiency: The best use of the body in the quickest and most efficient manner possible.
• Adaptability: The ability to adapt to any situation and overcome unexpected challenges.
• Movement: Use your entire body to move smoothly and gracefully.
• Action: Being active and initiating change, rather than passive.
• Introspection: Understanding oneself and understanding one’s limits and capabilities.

Parkour Seattle Communities

There are many places you can learn and practice parkour in Seattle. Parkour Visions is one of the most well-established parkour communities in Seattle. Parkour Visions was founded in 2007 and offers indoor and outdoor training, workshops and other events for all levels. The Seattle Parkour Training (SPT) is another popular community that offers weekly outdoor training sessions as well as workshops.

The American Parkour Academy Seattle offers classes for both children and adults. There is also the Flowstate Parkour Academy in Redmond, which offers indoor training. A parkour community is a great place to meet other traceurs, learn from experienced coaches, and challenge yourself in supportive surroundings.

Parkour Seattle Training Spots

Parkour can be done anywhere. Some places are better for training than others. These are the top parkour training spots in Seattle.

• Gas Works Park: This park has many obstacles, including railings, walls, and stairs, to practice.
• Freeway Park: Another great park, with many walls, ledges and rails to train in.
• The University of Washington: There are many parkour-friendly spots on campus, such as the Red Square or the Quad.
• Seattle Center: The Center offers a variety of training spots, including the International Fountain, monorail station, various buildings, and walls.
• Ravenna Park: This park offers a variety natural obstacles, such as logs, rocks, and trees, to challenge your parkour skills.

Parkour Skills Essential

There are some essential skills you should learn to get started in parkour Seattle. Although there are many parkour moves and techniques, these skills are the foundation for more advanced maneuvers.

• Precision jumping: The ability jump with precision and control from one point to the next.
• Vaulting: The ability of moving over obstacles such as walls or railings in a fluid, efficient manner.
• Rolling: The ability of rolling safely and smoothly after a jump, fall, or other event.
• Balance: The ability of maintaining balance on narrow surfaces such as pipes or rails.
• Strength training: Strengthening the upper body, core and legs for parkour movements.

Conclusion

Parkour Seattle is a vibrant community of passionate and dedicated traceurs who believe in self-improvement as well as the challenge of overcoming obstacles. You will improve your physical fitness and mental focus by joining a parkour group and training at some of the most beautiful spots in Seattle. What are you waiting for?! Get out your sneakers and explore the exciting world of parkour Seattle!