How to Start Free Running

Free running is a physical art form which involves maneuvering urban or rural landscapes. The art uses parkour movements as well as acrobatics, tricks and stunts to form an entertaining way of moving and interacting with objects. It's usually preformed either outside or in a gymnasium filled with obstacles.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Get in shape. Free running is good exercise, but you'll need to be in good shape before you even start free running. Because the movements are physically challenging, being tired can cause a poor performance or could cause an injury. Build up your endurance and strength before getting started.
2. Purchase a pair of shoes which allow for maximum mobility. The shoes need to be comfortable but also have exceptional grip because you fast and climb structures. Skate shoes have become a popular choice for free running.
3. Dress appropriately. Because you'll move in a lot of different directions, you'll want flexible and loose fitting clothes.
4. Protect yourself. Personal protection items, such as knee pads, elbow pads and helmets may take away from the aesthetics of your performance, but they are absolutely necessary for free runners, especially beginners.
5. Seek out resources in your community and online. Find out if your community has a free running or parkour organization and join if it does to learn more about the movements and free running safety. Also, check out the American Parkour website which offers instruction on the various movements as well as advice on fitness, nutrition and popular free running locations.
6. Start easy with free running. You can't climb or jump over large objects immediately. Try only the maneuvers you know you can perform successfully at first and gradually try more advanced techniques when you are sure you can do them without getting hurt. You'll also want to only do a little at a time until you can build up your endurance.

Tips & Warnings

• Check out the forum section of the American Parkour website if you have any questions. From the website main menu, click on "Essentials" and then "Forum."
• Avoid wearing clothes with any lose parts, such as tails, shoe strings or exceptionally baggy pants. These items can get caught on a structure and cause harm.
• Stop free running if you get tired. Tiredness can be dangerous because you will not perform at your peak ability.