Parkour is a body art that teaches freedom of expression through moving the body. In practice, parkour is performed by athletes called "traceurs" who perform gymnastic-like abilities moving through, above, under or around obstacles. Because of the variety and multitude of obstacles present, traceurs usually train and perform in urban environments. This requires a great deal of strength, agility and endurance.
Parkour Movements
Practicing parkour combines many aspects of various sports. Parkour is primarily the art of movement and the expression of the mind's desire to move the body in efficient ways. For this reason, running is present in much of parkour. Traceurs also practice many movements that require or benefit from calisthenic development such as pushups and pullups. There are also elements of climbing akin to rock-climbers and martial arts moves, like rolling.
Upper Body Strength
Traceurs need the upper body strength necessary to repeatedly suspend their own weight, and mount obstacles like walls. Weight training is not necessary to prospective parkour practitioners because traceurs will only ever need to support and suspend their own weight. However, weight training is not adverse to parkour, so long as the traceur maintains agility.
Core Strength
Some more complex maneuvers in parkour benefit from core strength in the abs and lower back. This stems from the need to control the direction of the body and legs, switching body velocity from one direction to another. Vaulting from one wall or ledge to another, "tic-tacing" by bouncing from one wall to the other and hanging situp maneuvers benefit from core strength. This strength can be developed by practicing situps, crunches and other core exercises.
Cardiovascular and Leg Training
Cardiovascular training greatly benefits traceurs, because higher cardiovascular fitness effectively allows the traceur to perform longer and move faster. Parkour does not necessarily require long runs, however. Sprinting drills help traceurs build up the speed required for many moves. Jump training and increasing leg strength, power and precision will greatly benefit the traceur by helping him jump higher, farther and more precisely.
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