What makes a good day? Is it when you play hooky from work, and escape to the beach? Is it when the sun is out after a week of solid rain? Is it defined by going out to eat at your favorite restaurant? Perhaps it’s when you hang out with friend that you haven’t seen …
How to play the Push-up Game
Back in high school gymnastics, one of my favorite ways to end a day in the gym was to play something we called the Push-up Game. You might know it by another name, or perhaps you play it slightly differently than how we did. Whether you coach your own clients or you simply enjoy exercising …
Why movement variety matters
Think back through your last month of fitness activity. Try to tally every exercise that you performed during that time. Can you count the different movements on one hand? Do you need two hands? Do you need both hands and both feet? You probably have a few of exercises that you use in heavy rotation. That’s …
5 Parkour Concepts for Healthy Aging
Overcoming obstacles is part of the human predicament. And unfortunately, the older you get the more your body seems to conspire against you. Age-related conditions like loss of muscle mass, decreased vision, and joint stiffness, can make it ever harder for some older adults to be safe in the world. With that in mind, take …
What is a physical activity desert?
Free time and motivation are two factors that influence your fitness. But what about where you live? How does your environment contribute to how often you exercise or engage in physical activity outside of your home? The public health community uses the term “food desert” to describe neighborhoods that lacks easy access to fresh fruit, …
Recommended Reading for People Who Love Movement
Do you get lost watching videos of people using their bodies in remarkable ways? Is your Instagram feed filled with acrobats, yogis, dancers, skaters, and other athletes? Me too, and guess what? It’s time to put down the screen, and pick up a book. Here are eight titles for people who love human movement: The Story …
Strong like your great-great-great-grandparents
Ten years ago Michael Pollen wrote an article for Time magazine, titled “Six Rules for Eating Wisely.” One recommendation that always stuck with me was that you shouldn’t eat anything that your great-great-great grandmother wouldn’t recognize as food. His point was that in our age of packaged food products, much of what is on the …
2016 Parkour Injury Survey Summary
Anecdotal advice about parkour injuries is easy to encounter. Unfortunately, that type of guidance only works for an underground tribe. As a sport enters the mainstream, a more complete strategy is needed. With dozens of gyms and tens thousands of new athletes joining our ranks, it is time to get serious about parkour injury prevention. Ryan …
How to start a daily agility practice
I bet that without much effort, you could tell me exactly where your yoga mat and foam roller are. I bet you could also quickly find your lacrosse balls and voodoo bands. The idea of having a daily mobility practice has been never been as popular as it is today. Thanks to Kelly Starrett, everyone …
2 Static Holds For Better Parkour Vaults
In the parkour world, to vault an obstacle means that you jump over something using one or two hands for brief upper body support. Think of how you might quickly hop over a low gate. You might let a foot touch down, but in general both feet clear the obstacle without contact. From beginner moves …