Bristol, UK – Parkour, the discipline known for its agile movements and obstacle navigation, is gaining recognition not only for its physical prowess but also for its positive impact on mental health, according to athletes in the field.
Parkour, often associated with individuals known as traceurs, involves traversing urban environments from point A to point B in the most efficient manner possible, utilizing acrobatic flips and jumps without the aid of equipment.
Danny Pierce, a seasoned traceur and coach hailing from Bristol, emphasizes the transformative potential of parkour on one’s perception of personal capabilities. “You realize your potential is so much more than you previously thought,” he remarked. With nearly 40,000 followers online, Pierce’s journey in the sport has garnered significant attention.
Reflecting on his own introduction to parkour, Pierce reminisced, “I was always interested in movement from a young age…finding a thrill from doing something I knew was scary and dangerous, but still within my ability.”
Despite its past association with danger and disruption, parkour gained official recognition as a sport in the UK in 2017, endorsed by all five of the country’s sports bodies. The sport’s allure lies not only in its physical demands but also in its inclusivity, catering to athletes of varying skill levels.
Pierce underscores the non-competitive nature of parkour, highlighting its focus on personal progression. “I love the idea of making myself better at moving and the challenge and fun that comes with pushing yourself. It’s a massive confidence builder,” he affirmed.
Charlotte Boenigk, CEO and founder of Esprit Concrete: Free Your Instinct, an organization based in Bristol offering parkour for mental health, emphasizes the therapeutic benefits of the sport. Through sessions designed to cultivate psychological resilience, participants engage in mindful movement, fostering a connection between mind, body, and environment while alleviating feelings of anxiety.
Boenigk elaborated, “Parkour allows the person to move more mindfully, connecting their mind, body and environment while reducing feelings of anxiety and overwhelm.” Participants, she noted, often experience a sense of accomplishment and hope, discovering positive solutions to challenges through their engagement with the discipline.
Furthermore, Boenigk suggests that parkour has the potential to unearth and address repressed emotions, such as trauma and anxiety, equipping individuals with effective coping mechanisms.
Emma Brech, CEO of Bristol Mind, a mental health support charity, echoes the sentiment that parkour can serve as a means of confronting fears rather than escaping from them. “In therapy, we talk a lot about ‘turning into difficulty’ rather than trying to deny it, avoid it or suppress it,” Brech remarked. She emphasizes the importance of learning from physical challenges, enabling individuals to manage risks and overcome barriers in their self-concept.
“It’s about listening to our body, relating to it and learning from it, rather than pushing it to extremes,” Brech concluded, highlighting the holistic approach to mental health fostered by engagement in parkour.
