When Worlds Collide
by Chris 'Blane' Rowat My bedroom walls may well have seen more blood, sweat and tears than the Saw and Hostel franchises combined over the past 4 years. In this torture chamber/laboratory, that also has a bed, I have tried and tested many different exercises, apparatus, angles, reps, weights and a vest, on a quest, to find the absolute way to prepare my body for Parkour. The problem was always having to wait to see what effect these exercises would have on my ability to move when I went outside to train technically. Through
A Call to Arms
By Chris 'Blane' Rowat When did a 30 metre traverse with a kid hanging off your back become less important than some 18ft jump between two sheds with a 'sandpit landing'? I don't give a damn about your long and loud strides, that 43 year old guy over there is twice your age, twice as strong… and just dropped from 2 metres and didn't make a sound. The things that should matter in Parkour, do not - and the things that are widely considered impressive are not, after you scratch the surface. Our
Maintaining Our Tools: The Importance of Physical Preparation
By Chris 'Blane' Rowat Oiling gears, tightening screws, checking tyres and replacing ball-bearings may well be common practice in most extreme sports but the Parkour practitioner is forced to take care of a much more complex machine. This machine must be well maintained and is in a state of constant repair, it must be supplied with the necessary fuels in order to function at an optimum level and it requires a delicate blend of being pushed to its limits then allowed enough time to heal for it to thrive. Of course the only
