Search the words “parkour” or “free running” on YouTube, and you’ll find a plethora of videos showcasing people doing death-defying stunts, such as leaping from one building to another, or hurdling their bodies over urban obstacles such as city statues.
Enter the Sports Center at Chelsea Piers, and you’ll see similar stunts being implemented by Chelsea Piers’ members. These members are taking the club’s parkour gymnastics class, which is offered at both Chelsea Piers’ New York City and its Stamford, Conn. location.
Parkour, an activity derived from military obstacle course training, has become an increasingly popular activity amongst women and men between the ages of 16 and 25.
Phil Mincone, the assistant director of gymnastics for Chelsea Piers in both New York City and Stamford, explained that Chelsea Piers wanted to offer the unique class in order to appeal to non-traditional gym goers. “Parkour is a unique fitness option that is appealing to a demographic that did not previously attend any of our other fitness programs,” he said. “Parkour allows people to use their bodies in creative ways in order to overcome different obstacles. This creativity makes it more appealing than other sports, such as gymnastics, for many people.”
Mincone explained that the class has been well received mainly by men between the ages of 16 and 25, though children between the ages of 9 and 15 are becoming increasingly interested. “There has been a great following for our parkour programs,” said Mincone. “Our adult classes have grown significantly over the past few years. It is a great atmosphere where everyone in the class looks to help each other out. We have developed our own parkour community, which has grown throughout the city.”
Typically as an outdoor activity, Mincone said implementing parkour in a health club setting takes some creativity. “Parkour instructors can figure out creative ways to use just about anything,” he said. “A good class usually uses soft landing mats, bars, vaulting tables, blocks and a foam pit. A health club would be able to use a training pit instead of the foam pit.”
Currently, there are no official certifications required to teach parkour, though some parkour organizations offer three- to five-day clinics.
To ensure the safety of its members, Chelsea Piers requires members to start off slowly, and then progress into tackling more difficult obstacles. “One of the first things that is taught in parkour is the proper way to fall,” explained Mincone. “Understanding how to control your body when falling helps prevent injuries. Training parkour also helps people understand their body’s limitations so they know exactly what they can or can’t accomplish. They go through a series of progressions using our soft mats and training aids to help master the proper techniques before they attempt the skills on their own.”
Outside of Chelsea Piers, parkour gyms are opening across the U.S. in response to the trend’s popularity. “The use of parkour in movies, television, commercials and social media has definitely helped increase its popularity,” said Mincone.
Though parkour “purists” — that believe parkour is only “true parkour” if performed outdoors — may object to the trend’s transition into an indoor setting, Mincone sees it as a natural fit. “It is an outdoor activity at heart, but training parkour indoors is a great way for individuals to learn the proper techniques in a safe environment,” he said. “Training indoors takes out all of the uncontrollable variables that one can encounter outdoors. We are able to consistently inspect all of our equipment and our facility, which makes it a safer experience to be indoors.”
By Rachel Zabonick
