Principle 4: Coordinate with Others

Working in a group provides unity of action towards the pursuit of a common goal. Whether that’s tackling a workout, sharing information about great training spaces, or keeping each other accountable in their progress – together is better! Imagine if you had a team that you could regularly train with and rely on. It would take your skills to the next level and show parkour’s value of teamwork.

Organization goes beyond training, it may involve discussing a shared vision about an ideal future, setting goals, and an action plan. To ensure that the team is being productive, there needs to be a balance between how the group’s time and achievements are delegated. Who organizes the training? Is someone responsible for recording or editing videos?

Finding the motivation to train by yourself can be difficult. There’s something to be said about the power of training parkour with others – there’s strength in numbers. From spotting safety issues, creating accountability, to providing immediate medical attention should an event occur – exercising with others provides a whole list of reasons to train together. Research shows that we take on some of the healthy actions of our friends. And that’s just the start.

Whether it’s a group training session or a large jam, there are many benefits that you can take from working out with a group. 

• Take your exercise up a notch by increasing your commitment to a regular routine and find the support in being part of something larger.
• Push yourself with the motivation using the Köhler effect.

Meeting up with friends for training is the best. When a group of individuals are together, individuals represent not only their actions but also those of their group. What each person does and says can play a significant role in shaping the perceptions of their peers. More importantly in the context of public space: your representation is a powerful force in creating and perpetuating the public context of parkour. 

Like it or not, if you are seen practicing out in the open, you are representing parkour to some degree. And it’s up to you to inform your peers about the responsibility of safe and responsible practices. Are your friends respecting the training area just as much as you are? Who’s the go-to when the group’s training is stopped by local police? Who organizes the jams and gatherings? In order to transform the public’s perception of parkour, we must transform and consider how we put forward a safe and responsible parkour practice.