How can experiences with injury and recovery inform sustainable parkour training and coaching practices?
Dan Timms describes his journey with injury and recovery, and how it helped to shape his thoughts about sustainability. He discusses training methods, the forces involved in parkour, and his approach to coaching. Dan unpacks Parkour UK, what it is, what it does, and his involvement with it, before sharing his insight on designing parkour parks.
You see where this is going already. This one didn’t have a mesh floor at the top, so I’ve just speed-vaulted over this wall into this turret, and I looked down and there’s nothing beneath me for about 40 feet.
~ Dan Timms (5:09)
The conversation explores the evolution of sustainable training practices in parkour, largely shaped by experiences with injury and recovery. Reflections on major injuries, such as a near-fatal fall and multiple surgeries, frame the discussion around balancing intense training with long-term health. Insights include the role of strength training, mobility work, and the importance of consistency over quick fixes.
The dialogue also touches on community involvement and governance, highlighting efforts within Parkour UK to standardize coaching certifications and establish Parkour Earth. Additionally, Dan shares real-life applications of parkour, recounting moments where training directly contributed to personal safety and community assistance, including intervening in a robbery.
Takeaways
Sustainability in parkour — Long-term success requires balancing intense training with injury prevention and recovery.
Consistency in training — Regular, sustained practice is more effective than chasing quick-fix solutions.
Role of Parkour UK — Parkour UK plays a key role in standardizing parkour coaching and representing the community at a governmental level.
Real-world application — Parkour skills can translate directly into real-life situations, from preventing injury to intervening in emergencies.
Physical data in parkour — Testing reveals significant forces involved in parkour drops, suggesting adaptations beyond muscular strength.
Resources
Parkour UK — National governing body for parkour in the UK, focusing on coaching standards and community representation.
Parkour Earth — International federation established to counter external governing threats like FIG.
The Monkey’s Back – Documentary — A documentary capturing the spirit of parkour practice featuring Stephane Vigroux.
Born to Run — Christopher McDougall’s book that influenced the guest’s barefoot training and travel to Mexico.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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