Getting Started with Urban Free Running

Perhaps you have already heard of one of the biggest new trends in urban fitness: urban free running. If not, here is a brief run down. Combining gymnastics and running, urban free running, or parkour takes advantage of the urban jungle and uses it to the athlete’s advantage. In the same way that skateboarders have long incorporated stairs, fountains, railings and park benches into their stunts, free runners use these same obstacles. Urban free running is an excellent workout and requires nothing more than personal will power and a pair of running shoes.

To get started, you will need some shoes, a place to run, and at least a general idea of some of the basic moves. When looking for urban free running shoes, let the sales person know why you need them so they can guide you to the most appropriate pair. Also, you may wish to just use your existing running shoes.

Good places for urban free running are city parks and playgrounds. Be aware of safety and don’t try to learn in a particularly crowded area. On the other hand, make sure that you are not in an area where you are at risk of being harmed by others.

The basic urban free running moves are how to land, how to roll and how to properly balance yourself on objects. You can find plenty of videos on the internet to show you all of these moves before you get started.

One final thing to note is that especially when you get started, a friend to join you can be your best accessory in urban free running. They can offer you advice on your technique or help you if you have a bad spill...