Finding Balance in Parkour & Life
A MAJOR SKILL WE PRACTICE THROUGH MOVEMENT IS BALANCE.
BODY
Just like speed, power, or strength, balance is a foundational physical characteristic that impacts every movement you do. From walking and standing up out of a chair at the very basic level to running, jumping, climbing, and crawling.
When thinking about how to train balance, it is best when we try and create conditions we might experience in the real world—two of which come to mind.
The first is Dynamic Balance situations. Dynamic balance is the ability to stand on one or two legs while moving another part of the body.
The other is situations where you need to retain balance while being fatigued.
LIFE
Beyond physical fitness, Balance is a life skill that can positively impact all other areas of life. Just how lack of balance can lead to injury, when we fail to maintain balance in other areas of our life we find ourselves at risk of frustration, anger, despair, and defeatism.
At any given time we are balancing multiple different things that we need to be ‘whole healthy’ -- physical needs such as sleep, healthy eating, recreation, social needs such as family and friends, intellectual needs such as career and education, and spiritual / emotional needs.
When one of these are out of balance, meaning either getting too much or too little attention, time, and energy, the others oftentimes are too!
Improve Your Physical Balance!
2 Balance Training Exercises that improve Dynamic Balance. If you want an added challenge, do these at the end of your weekly workout!
In the house: Balance Stars
In the park or yard: Balance for distance. Parks and buildings are full of railings. You also can grab a 2x4 for under $10 for a perfect balance tool at home.
IMPROVE YOUR LIFE BALANCE!
Pick an area of your life that feels out of balance. Have you not been eating as health or moving your body as often? Or perhaps your relationships are either over or under nourished?
Choose one you wish to improve and create two lists:
Three things you are committing to saying YES to this month to balance this area of wellness:
1.
2.
3.
Three things you are committing to saying NO to this month to balance this area of wellness:
1.
2.
3.
About the Author
Caitlin has always felt a deep connection to movement and play. Though she wasn’t a natural athlete, she always felt a powerful relationship between the strength of her physical body and her mind and heart. Her approach to teaching is playful: using games, props, and group challenges to push everyone to get stronger while coming together—regardless of ability or age.