Parkour and Freerunning > Women

A Few Questions...

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Francesca:
I'm in highschool, and have finally decided that this summer will be dedicated to practicing my love of Parkour... I simply am uncertain of the training (particularly strength) that I should do. Biking, currently, is the dominant form of exercise that I do-- excluding recent days of various home-based things (push-ups, for one.)

If I show up at a gathering, would the men hassle me?
And might there be any groups, and/or female practitioners in the Volusia County (Daytona, New Smyrna, Ormond, Port Orange, etc-- and surrounding) area of Florida?

Thanks,
- F

akarynn:
Though I can't say for your region and if there are any groups, but I will say that in my experience, guys have not hassled or belittled me. In fact, everyone in the community has been very encouraging and it shouldn't be any different anywhere else :)

In terms of exercises, I would recommend finding a group and training with them. I find it easier to push myself with others who are doing the exercises than just training by myself all the time. For getting strength, do conditioning on your own and do what you can access. Simple vaults, running, sprinting, push ups, squats, balance on rails, precisions and cat leaps on the ground, etc. Find a good wall and use it for practicing vaults and cat leaps. I find outdoor training is better than the gym. I feel a good session of various parkour exercises will work my entire body rather than doing weights at the gym. Do weights if you wish, it will make you stronger, but doing parkour alone will also make you stronger.

Good luck!

Francesca:
Ah, great. I don't need the assurance as much as my parents presumably will, if I ever announce an evening leave to practice with men.

I see... would they still be doing similar exercises even though they and I would likely be at different "levels"? It will take quite a bit of silent pushing to convince myself to attend, and if I am noticeably an annoyance/am holding them back, it could only further diminish confidence in returning.

Wonderful. I have been working on a number of the things you've suggested-- though it has proven frightfully difficult to locate suitable walls (without active surveillance cameras), and rails, in this area.

Outside work is definitely a high priority, but I may need to eventually recruit one or two new friends to accompany, hah.
Yeah, I will probably begin lifting some weights to build muscle, as just Parkour (and it's exercises) won't do too much more than tone and condition, I believe.

Thank you for your assistance, Akarynn; it's greatly appreciated!

- F

Francesca:
Perhaps, thanks... for the first couple of times, at least, I imagine that it's inexorable; that they will insist. The thought of my parents being present and observing makes me uncomfortable, though... which stands true for any family member. Ideally, going solo is my preference.

Before any of that takes place, however, I still have to track down a group, hah. There is, evidently, an illusive 40-strong assembly at Embry-Riddle, and another separate one in Daytona Beach, FL. They sound magnificent, but die when one realizes that neither have been spoken of or updated online in about a year's time.

Just my luck, too. I move away from Virginia (within reasonable distance of Primal Fitness and Urban Evolution, among various single individuals), to a place that is apparently the Bermuda Triangle for the traceur breed.  :P

Sarai Brock:
I should remind all of the males that mean posting in the women forum is not allowed unless the OP specifically asks... that's why it's the WOMEN's forum. 

That said Good Luck Francesca!!  It's all about making your environment work for you.  You will do great I'm sure!!  :-)

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