How can inclusive coaching practices and a focus on empathy improve learning and growth for diverse groups in movement disciplines like parkour?
When she first learned about parkour back in ’06, Nikkie Zanevsky never dreamed it would lead to her quitting her day job and starting her own movement company. Nikkie sits down to reflect on her approach to coaching, structuring classes, and creating an experience for her students. She shares her own methods of learning and growing, and how it impacts her coaching. Nikkie shares her insights on success, inclusivity and gender in parkour, and the importance of starting before you’re ready.
For me, my favorite part of coaching is activating everyone in the space to work with each other and to learn from each other, but I feel like I can do that better if I know something about each of the people and how to activate that.
~ Nikkie Zanevsky
The conversation explores the integration of empathy, inclusivity, and diverse movement modalities in coaching practices. Nikkie discusses her approach to creating a supportive environment for learners of all ages and skill levels. She emphasizes the importance of understanding individual needs and fostering collaboration among participants.
Key themes include the role of failure as a pathway to growth, the psychological barriers faced by older participants, and the value of blending disciplines like parkour, strength training, and playful movement. The discussion also highlights how societal expectations can influence participation and the importance of challenging norms to create equitable learning experiences.
Takeaways
Empathy in coaching — Nikkie emphasizes understanding and adapting to the needs of each participant.
Failure as a learning tool — Regularly facing challenges and setbacks builds resilience and empathy.
Diverse modalities — Combining parkour with strength training and playful elements enhances learning.
Psychological barriers — Older adults often face mental and social hurdles to engaging in new physical practices.
Inclusive environments — Structured indoor and outdoor spaces can make movement more approachable.
Impact of societal norms — Challenging expectations about age, gender, and ability fosters inclusivity.
Resources
Wildly Fit — Nikkie’s New York-based movement coaching and team-building company.
Grit — Angela Lee Duckworth’s book referenced for its focus on perseverance and passion.
The Movement Creative — A collaborative movement community co-founded by Nikkie.
Firestorm Freerunning & Acrobatics — Mentioned as a model for a thriving parkour business.
American Rendezvous — An event noted for its inclusivity across all skill levels.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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