Categories / Outdoor & adventure
Parkour
Moving over obstacles using jumps, vaults and climbs.
How to start
Join a beginner class: learn to roll, land and vault safely, building strength first. Start low and slow.
How to progress
Train twice a week and progress gradually.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular activity. It combines jumping, balance and strength work.
Take care: High risk of falls and joint injuries. Learn from a coach and progress slowly.
Sources
12-week starter plan
Learn in a coached class.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 8 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Learn rolls first.
- Progress slowly.
- Train with a coach.
Common mistakes
- Jumping from height too soon.
- Skipping warm-up.
- Training tired.
Kit and cost
Low Approximate UK prices.
- Flat grippy shoes
- A class (about £8 to £15)
- Comfortable clothing
Frequently asked questions
Is parkour dangerous?
It can be, so learn with a coach.
Do I need to be young?
No, but strength helps.
Where can I try?
Parkour gyms and classes.
Good for: Skill Power & speed Strength
Compare with similar options
| Parkour | Rock Climbing and Bouldering | Orienteering | Obstacle Course Racing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 90 min × 3/wk | 90 min × 2/wk | 90 min × 1/wk | 120 min × 1/wk |
| Effort | ●●●●○ | ●●●●○ | ●●●○○ | ●●●●● |
| Cost | Low cost | Moderate cost | Low cost | Moderate cost |
| Equipment | No equipment | Specialist kit | Basic kit | Basic kit |
| Impact | High impact | Low impact | Medium impact | High impact |
| Fitness needed | Moderate fitness | Some fitness | Some fitness | Moderate fitness |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |