How does an individual’s experience with movement and community influence their personal growth and perspective on life?
Moving to a different country and starting over is a challenge that Renae Dambly embraced. She shares how parkour and movement fit into her life, and how she takes care of herself, especially after moving to Germany. Renae unpacks her perception of herself vs other’s viewpoints, and publicly representing parkour. She discusses climbing, injury, competition, painting, and hitting the ‘plateau.’
As an athlete trying to make a positive impression on the public, I’m not going to stop training, but I’m also not going to train in a disrespectful manner. I want to make the best choice to, I think, have parkour viewed in a more positive light. So I will keep training, but I will show respect.
~ Renae Dambly (17:46)
Renae Dambly is an athlete and coach, recently moved to Germany from Colorado. She has a diverse movement background, including track, rugby, and rock climbing in addition to parkour. Renae is pursuing a career in fitness alongside her professional parkour career.
The conversation explores how movement influences personal identity and self-discovery. The participant shares their deep connection with movement, viewing it as a guide and a means of navigating life’s challenges. Experiences of balancing education and movement, adapting to new cultures, and maintaining self-care practices provide a rich context. The discussion includes insights into how movement impacts self-perception and how public perception adds complexity to training and expression.
Key topics include competition’s role as a social connector rather than a competitive tool and the importance of respect and adaptability in representing movement practices. The conversation also touches on creativity, with watercolor painting and art as outlets of self-expression, and the nuanced exploration of personal and societal dynamics in movement and community participation.
Takeaways
Movement as a guide — Movement serves as a constant source of direction and grounding in life.
Dual perspectives in movement — The contrast between self-perception and public viewpoints influences personal training.
Role of competition — Competition acts as a platform for connection and personal assessment rather than just winning.
Adapting to challenges — Balancing life transitions and movement highlights resilience and adaptability.
Art and creativity — Creative practices like painting and sketching provide additional avenues for self-expression.
Cultural perspectives — Exploring the differences between European and American parkour cultures enriches understanding of movement communities.
Self-care practices — Movement, outdoor activities, and art emerge as key tools for maintaining mental and physical well-being.
Resources
APEX Denver online fitness classes — Provides Zoom-based fitness training and coaching.
Max Henry’s “Parkour Roadmap” — A book offering guidance for parkour practitioners.
Thinking, Fast and Slow — Daniel Kahneman’s book exploring psychological insights on decision-making.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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