Ever wanted to leap tall buildings in a single bound? The impossible becomes easy with free running London classes taught by a group called Urban Freeflow, which will teach you to get in touch with your body in order to master all sorts of athletic feats. You can learn freerunning, a slightly more aesthetic version of what is known as Parkour, in a series of classes designed for everyone from beginners to experts. You’ll be able to master your body’s most innate reactions in no time.
When
7.30pm – 9.30pm, every Monday and Friday
Where
Moberly Sports Centre
Although much is made of free runners, also known as traceurs, jumping off roofs, much of free running is actually made up of making use of what’s on the ground. Leaping over fences, climbing up walls, sliding down railings and bounding up stairs are all an integral part of free running. Eventually you’ll be able to vault over obstacles in an interesting (and definitely faster) way, after a lot of practice that is.
BenefitsWhile there’s no doubt that one of the biggest risks of freerunning is crushing some very vital bones and organs in a fall, there are definitely some health benefits to consider. The Free running London courses will teach you how to be more in tune with your body and able to control your reactions and responses. Plus, you’ll have better balance and core strength and be more aware of the space around you – a perfect alternative to boring nights at the gym.
Free running in filmsFree running London experts have been featured in several films and countless other media appearances. Most recently the James Bond film
Casino Royale featured a free running chase scene. Other free running stunts have been showcased in ads by Nokia, Canon, Playstation, Coca-Cola and Vauxhall, and there have been numerous documentaries done on the sport.
The element of surpriseAlthough no one’s advising you to start scaring your local London commuters by leaping over the Tube ticket barriers rather than going through them, it might just be worth seeing the look on their faces if you jumped up a wall or two.
Indoor free running London courses taught by Urban Freeflow take place Mondays and Fridays from 7.30pm – 9.30pm at Moberly Sports Centre (nearest tube: Kensal Rise). Admission is £5.00. A weekly outdoor class is held on Wednesday evening at different locations. By reservation only, £10.00.
Youth classes are available on Monday nights at the Stowe Centre (nearest tube: Royal Oak) for £5.00 from 6.30 – 8.30pm. Admission is restricted to those between the ages of 8 and 19.
Private tuition is also available for £40 an hour. Classes are closed between 23rd December and 4th January. For more information please click the link below.
Urban Freeflow Website