Parkour requires no expensive equipment, just a good pair of running shoes. Strength training and conditioning are important, but gym equipment isn’t necessary. Safety gear and entertainment are optional. Water and a first aid kit should be nearby.
One of the benefits of learning parkour, also known as free running, is that it requires no expensive equipment other than a good pair of running shoes. Parkour is a form of stunts that uses rural and urban environments as an obstacle course. Therefore, most of the equipment is already available, such as railings, walls and benches. Some parkour athletes will want to purchase strength-training equipment or safety gear like elbow and knee pads, but much of it is optional.
The most important investment a person can make when starting parkour is a suitable pair of shoes. Athletic shoes with good arch support will make both long-distance running and soft landings easier. Shoes should have non-slip soles, because parkour sometimes requires climbing smooth walls. Beyond a good pair of shoes, any other material possessions are entirely optional for parkour.
Strength training and conditioning are essential for athletes looking to perform the intense stunts of parkour. Some might consider ordinary gym equipment to be a form of parkour equipment, because it helps prepare for the real playing field, which is the urban obstacle course located outdoors. However, working out at the gym isn’t always necessary. The philosophy of parkour is to find your own way, and many parkour enthusiasts do their strength training on the very open rails and walls on which they enjoy jumping and climbing.
Some athletes like to create a controlled replica of the urban jungle for parkour training. Interior walls and railings can be erected for obstacle course training. Beginners may also want to use safety parkour gear, such as elbow pads, knee pads and exercise mats, for injury-free landings. Some sporting goods manufacturers specializing in extreme sports have started offering more parkour gear that aids in controlled training.
Athletes may want to take some entertainment with them on their journey, making a durable and well-protected digital music player a valuable piece of parkour equipment for some people. Keeping water nearby is also recommended, as dehydration can occur during heavy workouts. While it’s impractical to carry a lot on your body while parkouring, a nearby meet field or locker should have a first aid kit inside. Minor scrapes and bruises are normal, and it’s always a good idea to keep wounds clean.
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