Freerunning is a physical art, in which participants (freerunners) use urban and rural areas to perform movements through its structures focused on freedom and beauty. However, freerunning is just a general term. There are actually two sub-parts to freerunning, known as freerunning and parkour. Freerunning and parkour are separate, distinct concepts, but are often very related.

Parkour is an activity with the aim of moving from one point to another as efficiently and quickly as possible, using principally the abilities of the human body. It is meant to help one overcome obstacles, like tables and benches or even walls, in urban areas. This often involves jumping gaps or moving across objects in unconventional ways.

Tom performs a parkour move called “vaulting” over a bench.

Doing parkour, can be jumping

over a gap…

… or efficiently crossing an obstacle.

The second sub-part of freerunning, is also called freerunning. The definition for freerunning is “expressing yourself through movement”. Freerunners perform tricks or other creative movements as an art form.

Ian shows a freerunning trick by doing a backflip off of a wall.

Tom does a “wallflip” on a tree.

Ian likes doing handstands on

everything.

Every week the freerunning club meets to practice. At the practices, you can learn new freerunning moves, train to make your existing abilities stronger, and learn about new spots to explore.

Tom finds yet another

gap.

There are experienced freerunners that come to the

practices every week. Whether you are brand new or you are experienced, there is always

something to learn. The freerunners are more than willing

to help you with your tricks or inspire you with new ideas.

Ian is explaining to Tom how to learn a new kind of wallflip.

Another good reason to join the group is to learn about safety. Some of the maneuvers can be dangerous and its good to learn the safest way to do them.

Here’s Ian doing a warm up handstand to prevent injury.

Ian and Tom thoroughly examine a spot before attempting some maneuvers.

The best reason to join Freerunners at Purdue is to get better at freerunning. The only way to improve your skills is to practice.

Ian is practicing wall climbing. He makes a wall this high look easy!

Remember, there are no rules in freerunning. The whole idea is to come out and express yourself, explore ideas, and most importantly have fun!

Search “Freerunners at Purdue” on Facebook to find our meeting times for the week.

Hope to see you there!

We can only imagine the crazy ideas running through Tom’s head as he looks at this spot.