If you are interested in learning Parkour, please visit: http://tinyurl.com/learnparkour

1. ==== ====
Do you want to learn how to do Parkour? Visit
http://tinyurl.com/learnparkour
==== ====
Parkour, or freerunning, is loosely defined as the art of moving. Parkour involves using one's body
and objects in the environment to navigate physical obstacles. In essence, a practitioner of
Parkour (a traceur), will run, jump, climb or perform other gymnastics type movements to get from
one point to another. Parkour has a particular focus on speed and efficiency. Parkour training
emphasizes functional strength, conditioning, balance and coordination. A tracuer must be keenly
aware of their surroundings so that they may rapidly navigate a path.
David Belle's Parkour
David Belle is the founder of parkour. Trained in gymnastics and martial arts, Belle strongly
believed in building functional strength. Belle began working with others to train them how to get
from one point to another and back again using some key basic movements. Belle stressed that
parkour was not for showing off but for being used in critical situations. Parkour is therefore
considered a discipline rather than a sport.
Parkour Training
Training for parkour can be difficult due to lack of publicly available obstacle courses. Generally an
urban environment provides plenty of challenges where you can design your own obstacle course.
However, practitioners must show respect for public and private property.
There are plenty of basic movements that you can use to practice parkour. Good practice will
involve obstacles that require balance, leaping, landing, swinging, rolling, or vaulting. You should
take care to begin with obstacles that are not overly challenging. Trying to jump over buildings on
your first practice session would be quite dangerous. Injuries are prevalent even when you start
slow.
Prince of Persia Workout
A staple of Jake Gyllenhaal's workout to prepare for his role as Prince Dastan in Prince of Persia:
Sands of Time was parkour. He trained directly with David Belle. Jake began by doing gymnastics
routines. Jake advanced to performing jumps on harder surfaces and even did some of his own
stunts in the movie. Jake credits parkour for helping him to get in phenomenal shape for Prince of
Persia.
Functional Strength - What You Can Gain From Parkour
Parkour relies on functional strength to get from one point to another. Your body must be in peak
physical condition to perform parkour movements. You need to have a combination of strength,
stamina, power and speed. Parkour makes for an excellent workout as you are forced to use your
body in the most efficient and functional way possible.
Parkour training is highly challenging, but it is a workout that can really help you get in great shape

2. without requiring any special equipment. There may be limitations on where you train and how you
train in the beginning, but it can be a valuable discipline to learn if you have patience.
About the Author: Dave provides no-nonsense "best of the best" diet and exercise tips to lose fat
and build lean, defined muscle without spending hours in the gym. These are Not Your Average
Fitness Tips. Read more of Dave's fitness tips for busy people and download a FREE copy of his
Fitness in a Flash report to help get a lean, athletic look in no time.
http://www.notyouraveragefitnesstips.com
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dave_Marte
==== ====
Do you want to learn how to do Parkour? Visit
http://tinyurl.com/learnparkour
==== ====