Parkour, often described as «the art of movement», has grown over the past few decades into a physical, artistic and almost philosophical discipline. It appeals to people of all ages around the world, but what exactly is parkour? Where did it come from? And what are the real benefits of practising it? At Decópolis, we understand the importance of movement, physical expression and a strong connection with the urban environment. For many people, parkour offers a way to exercise that goes far beyond a conventional workout, which is why we design public spaces where users can enjoy disciplines such as parkour in a safe, purposeful and engaging setting.

What is parkour?

Parkour is a physical discipline based on moving through an environment as efficiently as possible, using only the body. It involves getting past urban or natural obstacles through jumps, climbs, vaults, rolls and other fluid movements, with little or no equipment. Agility, speed, strength and body control are all central to the practice.

Urban parkour is mainly practised in towns and cities, where traceurs — parkour practitioners — interact with the built environment: walls, railings, benches, stairs, rooftops and more. As the discipline has become more popular, purpose-built parkour parks have also started to appear, giving people safer, dedicated spaces to train these movements.

Parkour began in France in the 1980s, developed by David Belle and other young people who were inspired by the way their fathers, many with military backgrounds, trained for emergency and survival situations. Georges Hébert’s «natural method» was also a key influence, as it promoted the idea of moving quickly, efficiently and confidently through natural environments.

Over time, parkour has grown from a form of physical and survival training into a discipline that combines movement, self-expression and personal development. Its philosophy is just as important as the movements themselves: parkour is about overcoming both physical and mental obstacles, while building a mindset of constant improvement, adaptability and confidence.

Where can you practise parkour?

Parkour can be practised anywhere there are obstacles to move through or overcome, from natural landscapes to urban spaces with built structures. That said, as the discipline has grown, more dedicated parkour parks have appeared, offering safer, purpose-built environments where traceurs of all levels can train, practise and progress with greater confidence.

  • Parkour parks: Purpose-built spaces designed for practising this discipline safely. They usually include a variety of structures, such as bars, walls, platforms and sloped surfaces, giving practitioners the chance to train different movements in a controlled and effective way. A parkour park is especially useful for anyone who wants to work on more advanced techniques without the added risks that can come with training in busy urban areas, giving traceurs a dedicated space to practise, progress and build confidence.
  • The urban environment: Urban parkour is the most traditional form of the discipline. Practitioners use architectural features such as walls, benches, stairs and rooftops to create fluid, dynamic routes through the city. For traceurs, the urban environment can be both inspiring and challenging, as every town or city offers a different mix of structures, surfaces and levels of difficulty. That said, anyone practising parkour in public spaces needs to respect their surroundings, avoid putting other people at risk, and check local rules, as parkour may be restricted in certain areas for safety reasons or because the space is privately owned.

To learn more, visit our page on parkour areas, where you will find further information about these dedicated training spaces.

Benefits of parkour

Practising parkour is not just a way to stay in shape. It can also bring a range of mental and emotional benefits, from building confidence to reducing stress. Some of the main advantages include:

  • Improved physical fitness: Parkour is a full-body workout that uses almost every major muscle group. Movements such as jumps, climbs, vaults and rolls require strength, stamina, flexibility and control, making it a strong form of cardiovascular and functional training.
  • Greater confidence: As traceurs learn to overcome bigger and more complex obstacles, they develop greater confidence in their own abilities. That sense of progress often carries into other parts of life, helping people face personal and professional challenges with more assurance.
  • Improved agility and coordination: Parkour requires quick, precise movement through different obstacles and surfaces. Over time, this helps improve balance, coordination and agility, making practitioners more efficient both in training and in everyday movement.
  • Stress reduction: Like many physical activities, parkour can be a useful way to release tension. The mix of movement, concentration and awareness of the surroundings helps clear the mind and support mental wellbeing.
  • A sense of community: Parkour also has a strong community element. Traceurs often train together, share advice, support one another and learn from each other’s progress. It is an inclusive discipline that welcomes people of different ages, backgrounds and ability levels.

How to get started in parkour

If you are thinking about taking up parkour, it is worth starting with the basics and building up gradually. The aim is to learn how to move safely, confidently and with control.

  • Get familiar with the basic movements: Before trying more complex techniques, you need to get comfortable with the fundamentals. These include jumps, climbs, swings, vaults and rolls. It is best to begin in a safe, purpose-built environment, such as a parkour park, where you can practise with more control.
  • Build your strength: Parkour demands strength, stamina and flexibility. Bodyweight exercises such as press-ups, squats and pull-ups are a good place to start. A stronger, more flexible body will help reduce the risk of injury and improve your overall performance.
  • Train with others: One of the best ways to learn parkour is to train alongside other traceurs. Look for local groups or communities where you can practise, share advice and get useful feedback on your technique.

Parkour is more than just a physical activity. It can also be a form of artistic expression. Traceurs create their own routes and movements, using the environment almost like a canvas. The goal is not always to get from one point to another as quickly as possible, but to move with control, flow and creativity.

Over time, parkour has become a performative discipline, bringing together elements of movement, acrobatics and personal expression. Every traceur develops their own style, which is part of what makes parkour such a dynamic and constantly evolving practice. At Decópolis, we design urban spaces across the Balearic Islands that support active, dynamic disciplines like parkour, helping people connect with their environment in a safe and engaging way.

Discover how Decópolis can help bring active, people-centred public spaces to life. Contact us in Mallorca or Ibiza today!