Mannheim, Baden-Württemberg -- (SBWIRE) -- 03/23/2012 -- Sightjogging, trail running, Parkour or slacklining – the list of modern trend sports is getting longer and longer. Today, more and more people are taking up Free Running, a slightly more aesthetic version of Parkour.
Behind the term Free Running, hides a very peculiar form of locomotion. Following the motto „Feel free to try other disciplines“, Free Running not only means overcoming barriers and obstacles, but doing so in an artistic, acrobatic and “free” way. Whether running backwards or sideways, doing somersaults or cartwheels, jumping or twirling around, the body is constantly moving, and creativity knows no bounds.
Parkour has long been established in the sporting scene and is recognized as an independent sport. Around the same time, Sebastian Foucan invented Free Running. Whereas Parkour means overcoming obstacles of any kind as efficiently as possible, in Free Running, the focus is put on moving freely. Fitness, strength and quickness play an important role in both sports. Years of training are essential in order to take part in this sport without getting injured.
Free Running was first used as another term for Parkour, but has now been established within the community, as a separate sport. In Free Running, artistic and acrobatic movements are fully part of the training. The body is constantly in motion, the runner interacts with the objects surrounding him and uses his acrobatic skills to get around. So along a straight road, one does not necessarily run in a straight line, but instead uses the complexity of his own body to move around as freely and creatively as possible. No wall, bush, bench or steps are an obstacle for the freerunner – everything can be overcome by using physical movement.
Jumping, climbing, turning and rolling, all put a lot of stress on the freerunner’s body. The risk of injury is of course much higher than for normal running, so a precise and sustained training plan, if possible with a professional, is very important. Training in groups is also recommended, as you can then support and learn from each other. Having fun is the most important thing in Free Running, so it is especially important that you do not act recklessly, but continuously work on your technique. Numerous videos showing the variety of possible movements in Free Running can be found of the internet.
Runners without any freerunning skills can also incorporate some variety into their training routine. Running backwards or sideways, jumping over small obstacles, turning around or slaloming – with Free Running, the imagination knows no limits.
For more information on the latest trend sports, an up to date running calendar, as well as many other topics on health and nutrition, updated every week, please visit Omron’s blog: http://www.myjogstyle.com