Parkour is a physical discipline that requires a combination of strength, agility, and control. To help you train effectively and stay safe, here are some recommended pieces of gear
Shoes: Parkour requires a lot of movement and jumping, so it's important to have a good pair of shoes that provide adequate support and grip. Look for shoes with a flat sole and a sturdy upper that can withstand the wear and tear of training.
Gloves: When training on rough surfaces, gloves can protect your hands and improve your grip. Look for gloves with reinforced palms and fingers to provide extra protection against abrasions and cuts.
Athletic tape: Athletic tape can help protect your skin from cuts and bruises, especially when training on rough surfaces or performing certain movements that put pressure on your joints.
Knee pads: Knee pads can help protect your knees from impact and injuries, especially when landing from jumps or falling. Look for knee pads that are lightweight, flexible, and provide good coverage.
Elbow pads: Like knee pads, elbow pads can protect your elbows from impact and injuries. Look for elbow pads that are comfortable to wear and do not restrict your movements.
Jump rope: A jump rope is a great tool for improving your coordination and cardiovascular fitness. It can also be used as a warm-up exercise before starting your parkour training.
Resistance bands: Resistance bands can be used to strengthen your muscles and improve your control and stability. They are also a great tool for stretching and warming up before training.
It's important to note that parkour is a physically demanding discipline, so it's always a good idea to start with a proper warm-up and stretching routine before training, and to progress gradually as you build up your strength and skill.
Parkour shoes
When it comes to parkour, the right shoes can make a big difference in your training. Here are some key features to look for in parkour shoes:
Flat sole: A flat sole provides a good base of support and allows for better control when landing and performing movements.
Durable upper: The upper of the shoe should be made from a durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of parkour training. Look for shoes with reinforced toes and sides to protect against cuts and abrasions.
Good grip: The sole of the shoe should have a good grip, especially on smooth or slippery surfaces. Look for shoes with a non-slip sole made from a rubber or similar material.
Flexibility: Parkour requires a lot of movement, so it's important to have shoes that are flexible and allow for a natural range of motion. Look for shoes with a flexible sole and a minimal amount of padding.
Comfort: Parkour can be physically demanding, so it's important to have shoes that are comfortable to wear and do not cause discomfort or chafing. Look for shoes with a breathable upper and a padded tongue and collar.
Some popular brands that make parkour shoes include VIVOBAREFOOT, Five Ten, and Inov-8. It's important to try on different shoes and find the pair that works best for you and your training style.
Parkour gloves
Parkour gloves can help protect your hands from cuts and abrasions when training on rough surfaces. Here are some key features to look for in parkour gloves:
Reinforced palms and fingers: Look for gloves with reinforced palms and fingers to provide extra protection against cuts and abrasions.
Good grip: The gloves should have a good grip, especially on smooth or slippery surfaces. Look for gloves with non-slip material on the palms and fingers.
Breathable material: Parkour can be physically demanding, and gloves that are too hot or not breathable can cause discomfort. Look for gloves with a breathable material that allows for good ventilation.
Flexibility: Parkour requires a lot of movement, so it's important to have gloves that are flexible and allow for a natural range of motion. Look for gloves that are not too bulky or restrictive.
Durability: Parkour can put a lot of wear and tear on gloves, so it's important to look for gloves that are durable and can withstand repeated use.
Some popular brands that make parkour gloves include: Friction Gloves, Shaka Gloves, and Naja Gloves. It's important to try on different gloves and find the pair that works best for you and your training style.
Athletic tape
Athletic tape, also known as sports tape, is a type of adhesive tape used to support and protect joints during physical activity. Here are some key features to look for in athletic tape for parkour:
Breathable material: Athletic tape should be made from a breathable material that allows for good ventilation and prevents skin irritation.
Sticking power: Athletic tape should have a strong adhesive that stays in place during physical activity, but can also be easily removed without causing skin irritation.
Stretchability: Parkour requires a lot of movement, so it's important to have athletic tape that is stretchable and can move with your joints.
Durability: Athletic tape should be durable and able to withstand repeated use and exposure to moisture.
Flexibility: Athletic tape should be flexible and not restrict your movements or cause discomfort during training.
Some popular brands that make athletic tape include Kinesiology tape, Mueller Sports Medicine, and RockTape. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional before using athletic tape, especially if you have a specific injury or condition that requires support.
Knee pads
Knee pads are an important piece of protective gear for parkour training, as the knees are often subjected to repeated impact and stress. Here are some key features to look for in knee pads for parkour:
Protection: The main purpose of knee pads is to protect your knees from impact and injury. Look for knee pads with thick padding or shock-absorbing materials to provide maximum protection.
Comfort: Knee pads should be comfortable to wear and not cause discomfort or chafing during training. Look for knee pads with a breathable material and a secure fit that stays in place.
Durability: Parkour can put a lot of wear and tear on knee pads, so it's important to look for knee pads that are durable and can withstand repeated use.
Flexibility: Parkour requires a lot of movement, so it's important to have knee pads that are flexible and allow for a natural range of motion. Look for knee pads that are not too bulky or restrictive.
Adjustability: Knee pads should be adjustable to ensure a secure fit and prevent slipping during training.
Some popular brands that make knee pads for parkour include 187 Killer Pads, Pro-Tec Athletics, and TSG. It's important to try on different knee pads and find the pair that works best for you and your training style.
Elbow pads
Elbow pads are an important piece of protective gear for parkour training, as the elbows are often subjected to repeated impact and stress. Here are some key features to look for in elbow pads for parkour:
Protection: The main purpose of elbow pads is to protect your elbows from impact and injury. Look for elbow pads with thick padding or shock-absorbing materials to provide maximum protection.
Comfort: Elbow pads should be comfortable to wear and not cause discomfort or chafing during training. Look for elbow pads with a breathable material and a secure fit that stays in place.
Durability: Parkour can put a lot of wear and tear on elbow pads, so it's important to look for elbow pads that are durable and can withstand repeated use.
Flexibility: Parkour requires a lot of movement, so it's important to have elbow pads that are flexible and allow for a natural range of motion. Look for elbow pads that are not too bulky or restrictive.
Adjustability: Elbow pads should be adjustable to ensure a secure fit and prevent slipping during training.
Some popular brands that make elbow pads for parkour include 187 Killer Pads, Pro-Tec Athletics, and TSG. It's important to try on different elbow pads and find the pair that works best for you and your training style.
Jump rope
A jump rope is a simple and effective tool for parkour training. Here are some key features to look for in a jump rope for parkour:
Adjustable length: A jump rope should be adjustable to accommodate different heights and arm lengths, and allow for a comfortable fit.
Weight and balance: The weight and balance of a jump rope can affect your jumping performance, so it's important to find a rope that feels comfortable and provides good control.
Durability: Parkour training can put a lot of wear and tear on a jump rope, so it's important to look for a rope that is durable and can withstand repeated use.
Speed: If you're looking to improve your jumping speed and endurance, look for a jump rope with a fast and consistent rotation.
Comfort: The handle of the jump rope should be comfortable to grip and not cause discomfort or chafing during training.
Some popular brands that make jump ropes for parkour include Buddy Lee Aero Speed, Crossrope, and WOD Nation. It's important to find a jump rope that feels comfortable and meets your specific training needs.