There's tons of ways to learn how to parkour. Primarily one on one training, at dedicated parkour gyms, professional tutorials, or free internet resources. But which is for you?
The answer is different for everybody. It comes down to your values. Ask yourself the following questions:
Motivation: If you wanted to get strong would you go to a gym and start lifting or hire a personal trainer?
Location: Do you live in the city, suburbs, or boondocks?
Expert Input: How important is expert input? Are you the type that jumps into things with no idea of correct technique? Do you prefer to get guidance and then make your practice your own? Or do you want neverending feedback?
Cash: How much is money a concern? Are you looking to spend never, once, or continuously?
Social: Do you like to learn in groups or have your trials and tribulations to yourself?
Each of the options: one on one, gyms, professional DVDs, and free resources has their specific mix of the above characteristics. Figure out which is best for you by reading the profiles below.
You should take personal lessons if you are a person who:
Has low personal motivation: You want to learn how to parkour, but you tend not to have the discipline to push yourself.
Lives in an urban location: Most professional trainers live in or around big cities.
Places a high emphasis on expertise: You want to learn from the best and you want their fingerprints on every step of the journey.
Has a sizable horde of cash: Getting personalized won’t come cheap. Expect to pay at least $35+ per lesson ($140+/month).
Prefers a 1:1 social atmosphere: A big benefit of personal lessons is that it is all about you. Some trainers will also offer group classes which can help lessen the cost if you are so inclined.
Private lessons will get you fantastic feedback and correct bad habits in real time. Just be sure that you can find a reputable coach in your area. American Parkour has a good listing of parkour clubs across the U.S. and most have trainers who offer personal lessons.
You should join a gym if you are a person who:
Has low personal motivation: You want to learn hoe to parkour, but you tend not to have the discipline to push yourself.
Lives in an urban location: Gyms tend to be near major metropolitan areas, though some are in suburbs. Check out American Parkour for listings in your town.
Places a high emphasis on expertise: Gym trainers will have taught dozens if not hundreds of people before you, so they know what’s up. I can put in a personal recommendation for Primal Fitness in DC. Great environment and really friendly instructors.
Has a sizable horde of cash: Per month, gyms can be just as expensive as personal traceur instruction. 140+/month isn’t uncommon.
Prefers to learn in groups: You’ll be with 6-12 other people. You’ll have to split the instructor’s time and if you take a class, you will probably have a bit of down time as you wait for the whole group to clear and obstacle of finish a drill.
A parkour gym is a great environment for learning socially and with talented instructors. If you live in a city that has one and aren;t too price sensitive, this might be the way for you.
You should try a professional DVD if
You have high personal motivation: You need to be the type of person who is going to go out there and practice. We can give you the schedule and the training technique, but you’ve gotta put yourself out there if you’re going to learn how to parkour.
You live pretty much anywhere: A huge benefit of the DVD is that as long as you have a DVD and computer, you can learn. Its just up to you to find the space to practice.
You place a high emphasis on expertise: Most DVDs are taught by professional trainers. Ours is from one of the best in the U.S. Do your homework, but most DVDs have high quality instruction from people who know what they are talking about.
You don’t want to spend too much: DVDs should cost less than $50. Ours clocks in at $29.99 with a money back guarantee. Not gonna break the bank. Plus best of all, it’s a one time fee as opposed to monthly membership.
You prefer to learn on your own: Sure you can invite people over, but you wont have the built in group aspect that comes from belonging to a gym.
Professional parkour tutorials are ideal for those who want to learn from the best of the best, regardless of where they are located. DVD's can't provide the realtime feedback a live instructor might, but they will usually cover everything beginners need to know to get really good.
You should try learning with free internet resources if
You have very high personal motivation: You have to find the videos, vet the videos, get out there and practice, and fill in any holes that might have not been covered. You’re in charge of everything.
You live pretty much anywhere: Same as the DVD, the internet goes everywhere.
You place a lower emphasis on expertise: While, I’ve seen some great tutorials, a lot of what I have seen is just groups of kids practicing. Which is fine, just maybe not the best resource if you’re looking to learn proper technique.
You don’t want to spend anything: It’s all free.
You prefer to learn on your own: Speaks for itself.
Free internet resources are best for dabblers and independent learners. Maybe you want to try parkour, maybe you don't. Maybe you just want to figure it out with minimal help. Check out some of the free things before you make an investment.
We designed BC-X parkour specifically for those of you looking for professional quality instruction anywhere in the world. If you're the type who just needs that professional expertise to get them started, you're in the right place.
