Should you ever need to run from French gangsters, having a handle on parkour will definitely help you escape intact. Essentially the practice involves moving from point A to point B in the most efficient manner possible, hurling yourself under, over and around obstacles. Here’s the first part of a parkour documentary by a traceur (practitioner. “traceuse” is the feminine.):
The rest are here. A more acrobatic version that’s less rigorously martial-arts-like in its approach is freerunning. Here’s one that appears to be filmed in Marseilles:
This video features David Belle, one of the founders alongside Sebastien Foucan. I kinda dig the soundtrack too.
This one features some cool wall flips and whatnot. Wait until the credits roll where they interview unsuspecting spectators for some hilarity.
This one appears to be filmed in Russia / Eastern Europe. The shots of abandoned apartments are particularly cool:
I found a Chicago-based crew as well, if any other Chicago peeps are wondering how to get started.
And yes, while the majority of practitioners are traceurs, traceueses are also in existence. Check out Ann:
So now, if you’re almost sold on becoming a traceur/euse, you’re probably wondering what it takes to get stated. Well, you’ve got to be pretty strong, for one. Here’s what American Parkour recommends as a warmup. Notice the 10-15 pull-ups part. This could explain why there are more men involved. 
They also recommend that the first step is learning how to fall / roll out properly so you have a lesser chance of injuring yourself.
And if you like the idea of parkour but not the actual physical exertion part, there’s always Mirror’s Edge:
So far I haven’t seen any videos of traceurs(ues) using Soap shoes with a grind plate on the sole. I think that could really be awesome. Some models of Heelys also feature a grind plate (and I’ve got multiple pairs of those!). Apparently it’s used more in Freestyle Walking. So if I’ve convinced you to try it out, remember to start with the falls, and if you can find your local crew and ask them to help you get started. And there’s tutorials over at American Parkour.
Reader Comments
Dear Liz:
I’d like to talk to you or correspond by e-mail, not about Parkour, although it’s very cool. Instead, I’m researching independent iPod repair services and looking for women entrepreneurs who do this. You’re the only girl I’ve found so far who’s suggested she knows how to crack open an iPod and do some repairs. I’ve found lots of guys, mostly college buddies, who are raking in the dough fixing iPods, but no girls. Any leads are appreciated.
Thanks.
Robin
Hey Robin–I just hit up online tutorials armed with a soldering iron and torx screwdriver set…I’m by no means an expert
Alright. Thanks. I’ll keep looking. I plan to write a story about these women techies if I find them. Good luck with all your endeavors.
Thank you, Liz, for the link to http://Parkour-videos.com/
Don’t forget one important thing : even if Traceurs (parkour practitionners) often like doing acrobatics such as flips etc. : acrobatics are not a part of Parkour.
To understand what is part of parkour and what isnt, you have to see what would be useful in case of emergency, if you had to go as fast as possible from a point to another (to save your life or your mother’s life). I’m pretty sure nobody would do some backflips.
I suggest everybody interested by Parkour to watch a quite new documentary named : “Parkour : The Nature of Challenge”.
You can watch it here : http://parkour-videos.com/parkour-the-nature-of-challenge/ (it is 40 minutes long) and download it in HD (942 MB!).
It is very inspiring.
wow, you really were watching parkour videos all day.