Movers Mindset

The Movers Mindset project includes a podcast and has its own website.

Chris Keighley: Challenge, personal growth, and 1,000 muscle-ups →

Published September 22, 2017  ·  All posts on Sep 22  ·  

Chris Keighley: Challenge, personal growth, and 1,000 muscle-ups

What can we learn about personal growth, resilience, and community through extreme physical challenges?

Chris Keighley helps me muscle up the strength to understand challenge. We discuss its rewards, hazards, and how it can be a powerful tool for personal growth from day one. He shares stories from behind the scenes of the 1,000 Muscle-Up Challenge, and talks about finding challenge in more mundane activities, like building a tire tower at the Gerlev International Gathering.

Modern life doesn’t give you many chances of seeing what you’re capable of.

~ Chris Keighley (6:30)

The conversation centers on the 1000 Muscle-Up Challenge, an intense physical and mental test. The origins of the challenge, its evolution from a hypothetical debate to an actual event, and the experiences of participants highlight themes of resilience, camaraderie, and self-discovery. Chris navigates physical exhaustion and mental roadblocks, supported by a tight-knit community, ultimately revealing their limits and potential.

Other topics include the broader philosophy of challenges in parkour and training. The discussion explores how setting appropriately difficult challenges helps individuals grow, with parallels drawn between physical challenges and life experiences. The importance of community support in such endeavors, as well as the transformative effects of overcoming personal boundaries, are recurring themes.

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Andrew Foster: Global Journey, Losing Everything, and Finding Purpose →

Published September 12, 2017  ·  All posts on Sep 12  ·  

Andrew Foster: Global journey, losing everything, and finding purpose

What does it take to transform personal struggles and passions into a thriving community that fosters movement, connection, and belonging?

Andrew Foster shares his fascinating journey from his home-schooled beginnings in Ohio, Arabic studies, and living in Jordan, (including meeting and training with Danny Ilabaca in Cairo) to facing the dark challenge of losing everything- including his purpose in life. Starting renewed from his lowest point, on a mountaintop in Colorado, he describes finding new purpose and direction, bringing him full circle to his home town in Ohio.

We come from dust, and we return to dust. We don’t have anything except what we’re given.

~ Andrew Foster (16:09)

Andrew Foster recounts his life journey, beginning with a childhood filled with classical music, philosophy, and a homeschooling environment that prioritized learning over grades. He describes his forays into sports like swimming and soccer, where he embraced the challenges of being an underdog. His passion for movement led him to Parkour, despite initial parental opposition, and to formative experiences abroad in the Middle East, where he studied Arabic and connected with Parkour communities.

A pivotal moment came when Andrew faced personal and professional loss, culminating in a cathartic experience atop a Colorado mountain. This epiphany shifted his perspective on life, motivating him to embrace gratitude, faith, and a commitment to community. Returning to Ohio, he founded Akron Movement Family, a Parkour gym centered on movement, love, and family, with the goal of creating a supportive, inclusive space for individuals to thrive physically and emotionally.

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Finn Berggren: Gerlev Idrætshøjskole, sportification, and the Olympics →

Published August 27, 2017  ·  All posts on Aug 27  ·  

Finn Berggren: Gerlev Idrætshøjskole, sportification, and the Olympics

What are the transformative possibilities of integrating Parkour into educational frameworks, and how can its values be preserved amidst sportification pressures?

Finn Berggren shares his thoughts on Parkour, explaining why he brought Parkour to Gerlev Idrætshøjskole in Denmark to replace the traditional gymnastics curriculum. We also discuss the “sportification” of Parkour and the Olympics, and he shares his story of the pivotal moment which solidified his decision to bring Parkour to Gerlev.

We built the first Parkour park in the world because it was a park designed to teach for pedagogical reasons and not just for doing, but also to learn how to do it and, at the same time, understand the philosophy behind Parkour.

~ Finn Berggren (7:00)

Finn Berggren shares his experiences as the principal of Gerlev Sports Academy, where he has transformed the institution’s approach to movement education by integrating Parkour. He recounts discovering Parkour through a television program and how its unstructured, innovative nature captivated him. His vision led to the creation of the world’s first pedagogical Parkour park, designed to teach movement and philosophy rather than competitive techniques. Finn discusses Gerlev’s evolution from a gymnastics-focused academy to a hub for diverse movement practices, including Parkour and street dance, emphasizing personal development and inclusivity.

Finn also reflects on the broader implications of sportification, warning against its potential to restrict the freedom and creativity inherent in Parkour. He advocates for preserving its unstructured, exploratory spirit and suggests using networks rather than rigid organizations to maintain its authenticity. Finn shares a personal story of witnessing children’s spontaneous engagement with movement, underscoring the importance of fun, challenge, and reflection in promoting physical activity and holistic development.

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Paul Graves: Capoeira, conversation in movement, and nature →

Published July 16, 2017  ·  All posts on Jul 16  ·  

Paul Graves: Capoeira, conversation in movement, and nature

What unique perspectives can be gained by exploring the interplay of movement disciplines like Capoeira, Parkour, and natural movement?

Paul brings his extensive experience to bear to provide insight into Capoeira. We go on to talk about how movement itself can be a conversation, before we dig deep into the human need to experience nature as part of our lives, as well as part of our parkour practice.

You see it coming, you get out of the way.

~ Paul Graves (10:04)

The conversation begins by exploring the transformative role of Capoeira in shaping social skills and personal identity. Paul Graves shares his journey through Capoeira, detailing its cultural richness, the dynamics of the roda, and the life-altering impact of movement-based dialogues. He explains how his Capoeira nickname, identity, and eventual departure from the practice marked a profound personal shift.

Transitioning to Parkour, the discussion highlights how Paul’s movement philosophy evolved to embrace play and adaptability. He goes into Parkour’s roots in both urban and natural environments, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature to rediscover primal human movement. Themes of engagement, community, and the psychological impacts of training environments are central to understanding how movement disciplines shape both personal and collective growth.

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Max Henry: Parkour Roadmap, infrastructure, and growth →

Published June 8, 2017  ·  All posts on Jun 8  ·  

Max Henry: Parkour Roadmap, infrastructure, and growth

What is the unique role of Parkour in fostering mindfulness, community, and personal growth?

Max Henry shares his introduction and journey into parkour, and how he’s gotten to where he is. He unpacks his book, the Parkour Roadmap, explaining what it is, and why he wrote it, before delving into his work on the Water Project with Know Obstacles. Max discusses his thoughts on the infrastructure of parkour, the changes parkour could undergo as it evolves, and the responsibility he feels to preserve the heart of parkour as it grows.

The story that you tell people is the story that they’ll believe, and that’s the story that you become.

~ Max Henry (18:20)

This conversation explores Max Henry’s journey in Parkour, detailing his early fascination with movement and the philosophy underpinning the discipline. Max shares how his diverse background in sports and music influenced his approach, and he reflects on the role of mindfulness in overcoming physical and mental barriers in training. The conversation highlights his dedication to the global Parkour community, as seen through his coaching work and involvement in projects like the Copper Water initiative in Africa.

The discussion goes into the maturation of Parkour as a sport, addressing its increasing accessibility, media portrayal, and potential future directions. Key themes include preserving the spirit of Parkour while embracing its growth, the challenges faced by professional athletes in the field, and the importance of community-driven efforts to ensure its sustainable development.

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Caitlin Pontrella: Movement Creative, play, and community →

Published May 3, 2017  ·  All posts on May 3  ·  

Caitlin Pontrella: Movement Creative, play, and community

What steps can be taken to normalize play and movement for adults in public spaces?

Caitlin Pontrella discusses the Movement Creative, explaining its goals and vision beyond simply teaching parkour. She unpacks her thoughts on the concept of play, how it relates to parkour, and the benefits of both play and risk. Caitlin wraps up by sharing her insights into starting new projects and how to involve your community.

Risk gives you choice, and it gives you opportunity to explore and challenge yourself.

~ Caitlin Pontrella (5:17)

The conversation centers on the concept of normalizing play for adults and making public spaces more engaging. Caitlin Pontrella discusses her work with the Movement Creative, a social enterprise aimed at fostering creativity, movement, and education. Projects like “movement snacks” provide subtle invitations for play in public spaces, aiming to remove the stigma associated with adult play while promoting accessibility and inclusivity. This shift can lead to a cultural transformation, encouraging adults to view movement as a natural, joyful part of life.

Topics also include the importance of risk in play, the concept of Parkour vision, and how it changes perceptions of urban environments. Caitlin emphasizes the value of partnerships and community engagement when implementing ideas to enhance public spaces. She shares examples of playful initiatives, such as “mice on Main,” which successfully create a sense of wonder and interaction within cities. The conversation underscores the transformative potential of play and movement to enrich personal and communal experiences.

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Thomas Droge: Body work, Writing, and Parkour Culture →

Published April 4, 2017  ·  All posts on Apr 4  ·  

Thomas Droge: Body work, writing, and parkour culture

What insights can practices like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Parkour offer about balance, healing, and personal growth?

Thomas Droge discusses balance and falling, as well as the physical and mental implications of each. He unpacks his thoughts on recovery, body work, injury and eastern and western medicine. Thomas also shares about the book he’s writing, his goals, and finishes with his thoughts on the culture of parkour.

The amount of attention it takes to stay balanced allows you to obliterate all the other thoughts in your mind, and you get into this awake conscious state really fast. To be in any kind of balanced state—especially if it’s new—is incredibly valuable to bring you into this moment.

~ Thomas Droge (1:51)

The conversation explores the concept of balance as a dynamic and transformative process, contrasting it with the common misconception of balance as a static endpoint. Through discussions of practices like Tai Chi, Qi Gong, and Parkour, it highlights how engaging fully in the present moment enables heightened awareness and flow states. The dialogue also examines how physical balance mirrors emotional and interpersonal dynamics, such as communication and relationships.

Another key theme is healing and recovery, approached through the lens of Chinese medicine and bodywork. Thomas discusses the principles of Dit Da Jow and how traditional and modern approaches address injury and recovery. The conversation also touches on the iterative nature of personal goals, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and finding meaning through both small and grand ambitions.

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Jonny Hart: Art, Coaching, and Breaking Jumps →

Published March 14, 2017  ·  All posts on Mar 14  ·  

Jonny Hart: Art, coaching, and breaking jumps

What role do community, creativity, and challenge play in connecting personal passions with physical disciplines?

Jonny Hart shares the role of parkour in his life, and how that fits in with his career as an artist. He explains the parkour and anatomy art classes that he helped develop, and discusses the joy he finds in coaching and teaching. Jonny finishes by unpacking his thoughts on breaking jumps, and shares the story of the first jump he ever broke.

I specifically make sure that there’s something in there that I have no idea how to do. And none of my skill set has prepared me for it.

~ Jonny Hart (15:30)

The conversation explores Jonny Hart’s journey from fine arts to becoming an advocate and teacher of Parkour, merging art with movement. He shares his early fascination with Parkour, describing its intensity and the unique community bonds it fosters. He reflects on how his artistic background influences his Parkour practice, providing insights into anatomy and movement, and how this cross-disciplinary knowledge enriches his teaching and personal growth.

The discussion also digs into fear and challenges, likening “breaking the jump” in Parkour to creative hurdles in art. Jonny emphasizes how facing uncertainty in both fields leads to personal breakthroughs and joy. His innovative teaching approach combines drawing, anatomy, and physical movement, aiming to make art and Parkour accessible and transformative for kids and others in the community.

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Adam McClellan: Community, goal setting, and coaching →

Published February 20, 2017  ·  All posts on Feb 20  ·  

Adam McClellan: Community, goal setting, and coaching

What lessons does the practice of Parkour teach about community, personal growth, and resilience?

Adam McClellan discusses his work with Parkour Generations Americas, the parkour community in America, and his local community. He goes into his transition from martial arts to parkour, before delving into goal setting and how he motivates himself. Adam finishes by sharing people he draws inspiration from and why coaching parkour is so important to him.

A rising tide lifts all boats, and through events like Art of Retreat, we’re realizing we can all benefit by working together.

~ Adam McClellan (0:53)

The conversation explores the broad implications of Parkour on personal growth, community development, and coaching philosophies. Adam discusses Parkour Generations’ work in creating partnerships with various organizations, emphasizing trust-building and long-term collaboration. He highlights the growing unity within the American Parkour community, describing a shift toward collaboration and shared growth over individual competition.

On a personal level, McClellan shares his journey from martial arts to Parkour, driven by the transparency and humility inherent in Parkour’s practice. He reflects on the physical and mental challenges of advanced training courses and the value of failure in pushing boundaries. The conversation also delves into his coaching philosophy, advocating for spreading Parkour’s core values effectively and inclusively.

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