What can be done to better understand and improve the experience of women in parkour?
Naomi Honey and Melissa Way discuss the importance of women’s experience in parkour, what that means, and how society impacts it. They dig into the unicorn syndrome, the polarization of genders, and how community leaders can help get more women involved. Naomi and Melissa tackle why women’s only events are important, how to create a welcoming environment, and their experiences with unsolicited advice.
I really remember when I was younger, I always thought my arms weren’t skinny like some people’s— oh, it just sounds so ridiculous, but I remember I had that in my head as a benchmark. And then suddenly when I was doing parkour, and when I got my first pull up, it was so exciting. And then suddenly I had a new measure of, oh my God, who cares what they look like? Look what they can do!
~ Naomi Honey (15:00)
The conversation focuses on the experience of women in parkour, emphasizing the unique challenges they face, from differences in physical progression to societal expectations around physical ability. There is discussion around how women’s-only events create supportive spaces that counteract feelings of intimidation or isolation, helping women find community and confidence.
Another key theme is the mindset shift from focusing on aesthetics to valuing functional strength and ability, which parkour uniquely encourages. This change contrasts with societal pressures around appearance, which often disproportionately affect women. The issue of unsolicited advice is also explored, highlighting how it can be well-intentioned but often carries different implications for women, sometimes reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than offering helpful insight.
Takeaways
Progression differences — Women often experience slower physical progression than men in parkour, which can affect confidence.
Mindset shift — Parkour promotes focusing on what the body can do, shifting away from aesthetic-based self-worth.
Role of community — Women’s-only events foster supportive environments that promote sustained engagement and confidence.
Polarization and visibility — The lack of visible female practitioners can create a sense that parkour is not for women, limiting participation.
Impact of unsolicited advice — How advice is given and received differs by gender, with women often facing additional scrutiny or unwelcome input.
Resources
Flytality — Naomi Honey’s life coaching business focused on helping people make life changes.
Project Awesome — A London-based fitness group promoting fun, community-driven exercise.
Women’s International Parkour Weekend (WIPW) — An event aimed at increasing female participation in parkour through community-building and workshops.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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