Parkour is a training discipline where practitioners (called traceurs) move from one place to another in a complex environment, without assisting equipment.
They must go the fastest and the most efficient way possible.
Parkour is more than just a physical activity; it's a dynamic training discipline that challenges both the mind and body. Originating in France, Parkour has evolved into a global phenomenon, attracting enthusiasts who are drawn to its unique blend of agility, strength, and creativity. In this blog, we’ll explore what Parkour is, the philosophy behind it, and why it’s more than just a way to move from one place to another.
What is Parkour?
At its core, Parkour involves moving from one point to another in a complex environment as quickly and efficiently as possible. What sets it apart from other forms of movement is the absence of assisting equipment. Practitioners, known as traceurs, rely solely on their bodies to navigate obstacles, whether it’s leaping over walls, vaulting railings, or scaling buildings. Every movement in Parkour is about flow, efficiency, and adapting to the environment.
Parkour is not just about physical prowess; it’s also about mental discipline. Traceurs must constantly assess their surroundings, making split-second decisions on the best route to take. This requires a combination of focus, creativity, and a deep understanding of one’s own capabilities. The goal is not to simply move fast, but to move in a way that is both efficient and elegant.
The philosophy of Parkour extends beyond the physical. It encourages practitioners to overcome not just physical obstacles, but mental barriers as well. The discipline teaches perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of pushing boundaries—both in movement and in life.
Parkour offers a multitude of benefits, making it an appealing discipline for those seeking a comprehensive workout. It improves cardiovascular fitness, strengthens muscles, and enhances coordination and balance. Additionally, because Parkour involves a lot of jumping, running, and climbing, it’s an excellent way to build explosive power and agility.
But the benefits of Parkour aren’t just physical. The mental challenges involved in navigating complex environments help develop problem-solving skills, resilience, and confidence. Traceurs often report a sense of freedom and accomplishment that comes from mastering difficult movements and overcoming challenging obstacles.
Parkour: More Than Just a Sport
While Parkour is often associated with daring feats and urban landscapes, it’s important to note that it can be practiced by people of all ages and fitness levels. Many communities offer Parkour training sessions in controlled environments, where beginners can learn the basics in a safe and supportive setting. These sessions focus on building fundamental skills, such as running, jumping, and climbing, before progressing to more complex movements.
With roots in military obstacle course training and martial arts, parkour includes:
Running,
Climbing,
Swinging,
Vaulting,
Jumping,
Plyometrics,
Rolling, and
Quadrupedal movement
Parkour is an activity that can be practiced alone or with others, and is usually carried out in urban spaces, though it can be done anywhere.
Parkour as a type of movement was established by David Belle in France in 1988.
Parkour exercises often focus on compound, functional (e.g. pertaining to real-life situations) movements.
The top Ten Health Benefits of Parkour are:
Parkour is a full body workout.
Improved Cardiovascular endurance.
Increased Bone Strength.
Promotes quicker thinking with fewer mistakes.
Parkour Fosters creativity.
Boosts confidence.
Parkour is a Skill-related fitness Routine.
Parkour Builds core strength.
What muscles are used in parkour?
Parkour exercises will develop your back, shoulders, and arms, the muscles that are most engaged during your parkour training sessions. Balance your musculature -- While the "pulling" muscles are the most important for parkour, you can't neglect your "pushing" muscles (chest and triceps).
Check the video of a the best Parkour
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A2 Movements seeks to utilise our lifeskills to inspire every individual to realise their full untapped potential and in doing so, achieving their God-given purpose. A2 movements is Singapore First Parkour Training Academy. They focus on amplification of the human experience, the concept of human reclamation - what it means to be human.
They believe in developing functional fitness with the goal of being strong.
Teaching parkour movements is their basic/ foundational field, but they also teach imparting life, values, mindset, ideology and outlook on life.
A2 Movements offers 1 for 1 session to all Wellnex Members.
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