Exercise – A-Skips

Plyometrics are explosive exercises that increase parkour speed and power by exerting maximum effort over short bursts of time. The goal is to move rapidly while using the right biomechanics that will translate into running, jumping, or striding for parkour. #parkourplyometrics

Similar to high knees, you will be pulling your knees up to your chest however we will have a different rhythm. Beginners should focus on the correct form and cadence for the “skips” before attempting to speed things up. Begin by hopping onto your right foot and pull the left knee up. As the left leg comes up, the left foot is in dorsiflexion. You want the timing of the legs so that as the ball of your right foot strikes the ground, your left knee drive hits its peak height. You’ll hop off the right foot again to land on both foot simultaneously. Alternate on the left side and repeat for practice. Contralateral arms will drive the elbows forward and hand up in motion with the legs.

Focus, focus, focus on the shape and form before working on a quick turnover/exchange. This is a great exercise to incorporate into your warm-up by performing a few sets for 10-15 seconds or 10 yards. A-Skips pairs up perfectly with additional plyometrics:

• High Knees
• Progression towards B- and C-Skips
• Strides