Parkour is both mentally challenging and physically demanding; flexibility is only one aspect of the sport. The prime objective of Parkour is to move between urban structures as quickly and efficiently as possible, using running and gymnastic maneuvers to overcome spaces and obstacles. In addition to increasing and maintaining your flexibility, you must also train to build your functional strength, balance, fluidity and creativity, according to Parkour website American Parkour.
Significance
Increasing your flexibility helps prevent injury, and reduces muscle pain and fatigue after an intense workout. Moreover, flexibility training develops your spatial awareness and essentially improves your ability to execute various Parkour movements. A key component of flexibility training is stretching.
Stretching
Just as muscles recruit various fibers when they contract, so too do these various muscle fibers lengthen when your muscles stretch. The main objective of stretching as a form of flexibility training is to engage all of these fibers and lengthen them to their maximum limit safely. The more fibers you lengthen together, the greater your flexibility and ability to perform Parkour maneuvers.
Considerations
The purpose of flexibility training is to maintain or improve muscle elasticity, according to "The Ultimate Parkour and Freerunning Book." However, it's important to take note that when you stretch your muscles, you simultaneously stretch other bodily structures, specifically your tendons and ligaments; both of which act as stabilizers. By over-stretching these structures, you essentially destabilize them and increase the risk of injury. Therefore, aim to induce moderate discomfort when stretching, and reduce the intensity and range of motion if you feel excessive pain.
Tips
Always warm up by performing activities such as light jogging, stationary cycling or brisk walking prior to stretching. If possible, try to stretch in the afternoon or evening, when your muscles are warm and supple, rather than in the morning when they are cold and stiff. This approach to flexibility training will yield greater results and prevent strain or injury.
Warning
Parkour is a dangerous sport that may lead to both minor and major injuries, no matter how flexible you are. It is very easy to injure yourself critically when training on hard surfaces such as brick and concrete, or while attempting Parkour moves like aerial flips and roof hopping. Condition your body and hone your skills in the gym before you head out onto the streets.
References
- American Parkour: What Is Parkour?
- University of New Mexico; Flexibility Training; L. Kravitz, V. Haeyward; 1995
- "The Ultimate Parkour and Freerunning Book: Discover Your Possibilities"; Jan Witfeld, Ilona E. Gerling, Alexander Pach; 2011
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