Parkour is a physical discipline that combines running, jumping, and climbing. It can be done almost anywhere, but it’s easiest on open land with plenty of obstacles nearby to jump and climb over or across. The goal is to move from one point to another as quickly and efficiently as possible.
We parkour practitioners always look for the best cities for parkour to practice our art. However, not all locations are created equal. Some spots are better than others, depending on what you’re looking for.
In this blog post, I will discuss finding good parkour spots and what to look for when searching for them. So whether you’re a beginner just starting or an experienced traceur looking for somewhere new to check out, read on for all the information you need.
What makes a good parkour spot?
An excellent parkour spot must have critical characteristics to be safe and enjoyable for traceurs.
These include:
Safety
You want to ensure no sharp objects or other hazards in your chosen spot. Safe landing areas, such as grass or mats, make parkour practitioners push themselves without fear of injury.
Accessibility
The spot must be easy to get to so you can get in a good workout without spending hours getting there. The area should also be close to other parkour spots so traceurs can extend their training session if they wish.
Good examples of accessible parkour spots include those near public transportation or ample parking for cars and bicycles.
Variety
A good parkour spot will have a variety of obstacles and areas to explore. Various terrain, including ledges, walls, stairs, and slopes, provides a challenge and opportunity for creative movement.
Good community vibe
Finding a spot with a good community vibe is essential when searching for a parkour spots. This is important because parkour is a community-oriented activity and practitioners need to feel comfortable in their surroundings.
A good community vibe can be created by having various people practicing parkour in the same area coming together.
Durable structures
Excellent parkour spots have solid and durable structures. This is important because parkour practitioners rely on the strength of the designs to support them as they navigate their way through the environment.
Good examples of strong and durable structures include brick walls, concrete pillars, and metal railings.
Avoid Crowded Areas
Look for spots that aren’t too heavily trafficked. You don’t want to be constantly dodging pedestrians or cars. Besides, it is unsafe to exercise in high pedestrian areas.
With these tips in mind, you should be able to find the perfect spot for your parkour training.
How to find good parkour spots
If you’re new to parkour, finding good spots to practice can be daunting. After all, not just any old place will do – you need somewhere with the right mix of features and obstacles to perfect your skills. Luckily, there are a few reliable methods you can use to find the ideal place to parkour.
Use Google Maps
Google Maps is an excellent tool for finding unique parkour spot maps. The key is looking out for patterns in the landscape that could be staircases or terraces and then saving all of those custom locations into an app folder on your phone.
You can also use the satellite view to get a better idea of the lay of the land and identify potential obstacles. If you see a spot that looks promising, make a note of the address and check it out in person. Check out the NYC parkour spots map for a variety of options.
Ask Fellow Traceur
If you know any other parkour practitioners, ask them for recommendations on good spots to train. They’re likely to have excellent insider knowledge about the best training places. Not only that, but they’ll also be able to give you some valuable tips on how to make the most of your chosen spot.
Check Out Local Parks
Local parks are often great places to find parkour playgrounds. They usually have a variety of obstacles, like benches, trees, and walls, that you can use to practice your moves.
Local parks are usually open to the public, so you won’t have trouble getting access. Just be sure to check for any potential hazards before you start training.
Search Online
If you’re struggling to find good parkour spots in your area, try searching for them online. Try searching online for “parkour spots near me” or “best cities for parkour.” Several websites and forums list the best places to train.
You can also check out online parkour communities, an excellent resource for finding new training spots.
Look for Construction Sites
Construction sites can be great places to find good parkour spots. They often have a variety of obstacles that you can use to practice your moves.
Just be sure to check for any potential hazards before you start training. Construction sites can be dangerous, so it’s essential to be cautious when exploring them.
Once you’ve found a few potential spots, you should check them out. When you look around, see if it meets all the criteria we discussed earlier. If so, then you’ve found yourself an excellent parkour spot.
How do you do parkour anywhere?
Parkour is all about using your environment to your advantage. So, wherever you are, there are probably opportunities for parkour.
For example, if you’re at a playground, you can use the monkey bars to practice swinging and vaulting. If you’re in a parking lot, you can use the concrete blocks as obstacles to jump over.
The possibilities are endless; it just takes a little creativity to see them. However, don’t be afraid to experiment and try new things.
So, next time you’re out and about, keep your eyes open for potential parkour spots. You might be surprised at what you find.
Conclusion
Parkour is an activity that can be practiced anywhere, but some spots are better than others. You may have to search for the best spot, but it’s worth it when you do.
Follow these tips and tricks to help you find good parkour spots and start jumping, climbing, and flipping your way to fitness!
If you have any questions or suggestions, let us know. We would love to hear from you. Happy parkouring!