Parkour FAQ
Questions about Parkour
Here we have collected the most frequently asked questions about Parkour. If you have any other questions, feel free to write them to us so we can add them. Happy reading 🙂
What is parkour?
Parkour is an exercise discipline that originated in France. It focuses on self-development by overcoming obstacles in the urban environment (or any other setting) using movements such as running, jumping, climbing, and balancing.
Who invented parkour?
Parkour was founded by David Belle in France in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He was inspired by his father Raymond Belle, who was a military enthusiast and fitness enthusiast.
What is the difference between parkour and freerunning?
Parkour focuses on efficiency, moving as quickly and efficiently as possible from point A to B. Freerunning is more artistic and focuses on acrobatic movements and aesthetics.
Is parkour dangerous?
Like any physical activity, parkour can be dangerous if practiced carelessly. It's important to start slowly, build strength and skills, and always be mindful of safety.
Is parkour illegal?
No, parkour is perfectly legal. However, parkour practitioners must remember to respect private buildings and not enter other people's property without permission. But parkour is perfectly legal and can be practiced anywhere there are things to balance on, jump over, under or through.
If you're not sure if it's okay to practice in a certain place, ask the people who live there or own the building, just to be on the safe side.
What should I wear when doing parkour?
Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and parkour shoes are essential. Parkour requires shoes with good grip and shock absorption. You can find parkour shoes here at Parkourshoppen.
How can I find a good place to practice parkour?
You can practice parkour almost anywhere. The most important thing is that the area is safe. Parkour parks, public parks and urban areas can all be great places. Parkour courses and parks have been designed in several places in Denmark. Team JIYO has designed several of them so that you can go to one place and practice many different parkour techniques and parkour exercises in one place.
How does the weather affect my parkour training?
Wet weather can make surfaces slippery, increasing the risk of injury. It's best to exercise in dry weather or to be very careful when it's wet.
What are some good exercises to build strength for parkour?
Basic exercises such as squats, lunges, pull-ups, push-ups and core exercises are great for building the necessary strength for parkour. Balance training and plyometric exercises can also be very helpful.
How can I learn parkour?
The best way to learn parkour is through a parkour coach or a local group. There are also many online resources, including YouTube videos and instructional websites.
You can also go to the Parkour Exercises page, where you can find parkour tutorials, guides and parkour videos showing how to learn the different parkour exercises.
Are there any rules in parkour?
The primary rule of parkour is to move efficiently and safely through the environment. It's about respect for yourself, others and the environment around you.
Can I do parkour on my own or do I need a partner or a group?
You can practice parkour alone, but it's often safer and more motivating to practice with others. A group or training buddy can also help with technical guidance and feedback.
Are there specific shoes recommended for parkour?
Shoes for parkour should be lightweight, have good grip, and be shock-absorbing and flexible. There are shoes specifically designed for parkour, you can find parkour shoes in the JIYO Wear Shop or in Scandinavia's largest parkour webshop Parkourshoppen.
How can I avoid injury when practicing parkour?
It's important to warm up, start slowly and gradually build up your skills. Learn to land androllcorrectly and always listen to your body to avoid overexertion.
Are there any official competitions or events for parkour?
While parkour was originally developed without a competitive mentality, there are now numerous parkour events and competitions around the world.
Is parkour only for young people?
No, parkour can be practiced by people of all ages. However, it's important to take into account your own physical fitness and limitations.
Do I need to be in good shape to start parkour?
While it helps to have a basic level of fitness, you don't need to be in top shape to start parkour. You will gradually build your strength and endurance as you train.
Is parkour a recognized sport?
Parkour is still a relatively new discipline and is not officially recognized as a sport in all countries. However, it is growing in popularity and becoming increasingly recognized. Parkour is considered more of a movement art than an actual sport.
Where can I practice parkour?
Parkour can be practiced almost anywhere - from city parks and streets to forests and mountains. Always remember to respect private property and natural areas.
Is parkour good exercise?
Yes, parkour is great exercise. It involves the whole body and improves strength, agility, endurance and balance.
How can I integrate parkour into my daily routine?
You can start thinking of your daily commute as a parkour route, or dedicate time each day to practicing specific skills. It can also be helpful to do strength and flexibility training as a supplement.
Can you get gloves for parkour?
This is a very common question we have been asked over the years. When you are a beginner in parkour and "swing" on a rail, you will find that it can feel hard on your hands with the "friction" you experience. This can easily result in the skin breaking open where you are swinging. Unfortunately, there are no parkour gloves, but the more you swing, the more accustomed your skin becomes to resisting. So there's nothing else to do but keep at it 😉 😉
Are there any parkour-related questions that you haven't answered?
We regularly update this page with Frequently Asked Questions about Parkour.
If you need answers to any questions, please write to us via the contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible and add your question to this page.
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