About Our Adult Parkour Classes

About Parkour • FAQ

What is parkour?

Watch this video to get a snapshot of what the Seattle parkour community is all about.

Parkour is a movement art where we use obstacles to navigate space creatively and/or efficiently. We apply skills such as running, jumping, climbing, and crawling to go under, over, and through obstacles. Parkour teaches you to play and create challenges anywhere, in both built and natural environments.

Parkour can be practiced collaboratively, competitively, or independently. It is a life-long practice with a supportive community that spans all generations and abilities.

The term “freerunning” usually describes the flips and acrobatics you may see in parkour.

Why train parkour?

People train parkour for so many different reasons: to gain fitness, confidence, and agility; to practice creative movement, overcome fears, and connect with the community; or just for fun! Parkour gives you the ability to train and play anywhere with anyone.

What to Expect

“When you’re outdoors, instead of having the space expand or contract to your needs, you are the one who’s expanding or contracting based off what the environment has given you.”
— Lex Dye

Each class starts with a warm-up and introductions. Classes may include technique practice, games, and obstacle courses or routes using skills such as vaulting, jumping, climbing, and crawling. For more detailed information, read class descriptions and contact your coach.

It’s all about safety!

The most important thing in parkour is safety. We want to be able to train for the rest of our lives! Since we fall a lot in parkour, our coaches teach self-preservation as a foundation. We practice ukemi skills such as bounce backs, breakfalls, and rolls every session.

Our coaches teach you to work within your limits and progress gradually to avoid injury. The most common injuries are scrapes and bruises. Serious injuries are rare. Unlike in other sports, parkour is about your personal journey, and it requires no physical contact. Our coaches carry first aid kits to treat minor injuries.

FAQ

+ How many classes per week should I take?

It can be tempting to take multiple classes per week—parkour is really fun!

However, if you are not already doing a lot of jumping in your movement practice, we strongly suggest starting with one class per week until your body adapts.

How long will it take your body to adapt? Though your muscles may adapt quickly, your tendons, ligaments, and especially bones need more time to build strength. It might take 2-6 months of consistent weekly classes before you can safely add another class each week.

What do you do in the meantime? Strength training and light solo practice! Luckily we have some resources for you on our Leap to Lead online curriculum:

If you’re not sure how many classes per week you can safely take, please contact your coach! Remember, more is not always better.

+ What should I wear/bring?

Come dressed in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing you can move in. For shoes, we suggest sneakers with flexible, rubber soles that aren’t too thick. Don’t forget to bring water! Please also bring a face mask (see our most recent Covid policies).

+ If I have an injury, can I still come to class?

It depends on the injury, but if your doctor has cleared you for movement, most likely your coach can help you modify class to stay safe. Please let your coach know about your injury before class starts.

+ What are your Covid policies for adult classes?

Please read our Covid updates for recent changes to our Covid policies.

+ Do I need to be fit to do parkour?

You do not need to be “fit” to start parkour. For our beginner classes, you will need the following abilities: squatting down comfortably, light jogging for short periods, hopping on one foot, and being able to put weight on your hands and wrists while crawling.

Our coaches will teach you to progress at your own pace. Through regular training, your body will gradually adapt to running, jumping, climbing, and crawling.

+ Am I too old to start parkour?

Parkour is for all ages. We’ve had students as young as 3 and as old as 73, from people looking to improve their balance to those who want to become elite athletes.

+ What if it’s raining or snowing?

Class is still on! We adapt to weather conditions, which can provide new and interesting challenges. Train or shine, we say! If the weather is truly awful, such as a blizzard or thunderstorm, class may be canceled. Please contact your coach.

For tips, read Rain Training in Parkour: How and Why or watch 10 Tips for Training Parkour in the Rain.

+ Where can I learn more outside of class?

We highly encourage you to practice on your own or with friends. Our YouTube and Instagram have training resources, or check out Leap to Lead online to see our growing catalog of videos, articles, and more.

You can also check out these community groups:

Still have questions? Email classes@parkourvisions.org.