In reading one of my daily favorite reads, I see a topic that I do thoroughly enjoy. Mark’s Daily Apple had this fun post of extreme exercise, sometimes called Parkour.
I’m reminded of so much that I often don’t write about. I work on my vaults every chance I get. Whether it’s setting a couple of chairs to hop over in the house when I’m folding laundry or when I’m walking the dog and I see a human-height wall. I never count this as training, but it is. It’s incredible exercise. It’s also incredibly fun.
For people just starting out, it can seem daunting. The videos show the ones who have been doing this for years. That David Bell feller is a master. Don’t even think of starting there. Never jump off a building if you haven’t jumped since you were a kid. One has to start gradually. The body will change in response. It has to.
If you are interested in such things, try finding a beginning gymnastics or circus skills class for all ages. They are popping up all over the place. You can also go to a gymnastics center for kids and ask around how you can get started. You’ll get tips you can start on at home to build strength and flexibility. Someone my be willing to train you. You never know unless you ask.
I’m lucky that one of the premier circus training centers in the US is 15 blocks from my house.