FAQ: Parkour Classes

Parkour is an athletic training style in which practitioners (called traceurs) move from point A to point B in the fastest, safest, and most efficient way possible. While it can be practiced by a solitary individual, traceurs often work together to identify novel and unexpected paths through the environment without relying on any specialized equipment (other than perhaps a good pair of shoes).

With roots in military obstacle course training and martial arts, parkour now incorporates a wide range of movement styles such as quadrupedal movement, plyometrics, running, climbing, swinging, vaulting, jumping, and of course, rolling. It also emphasizes the three awarenesses: awareness of yourself (your abilities and your position in space), awareness of others (their path, and position relative to you), and awareness of your environment (obstacles, dangers, and potential resources).

Although often considered a practice of young daredevils outcompeting each other, the techniques and mindset you learn in parkour are surprisingly personal, and are extremely beneficial for all ages. Since the focus is on learning how YOU can move safely and efficiently through YOUR environment, it eliminates the extra pressure of competition you find in most sports (of course, this can be added back in via games and challenges for those students who are motivated by friendly competition).

We understand new sports can be intimidating, so we encourage you to check out our Intro Class Pack which lets you explore three classes to be sure parkour is right for you (and/or your child). For more information, or to get started with a Class Pack, please visit our Prices page.  

Not at all! If you visit our Prices page, you'll see we have the following non-membership options:

• Intro Class Pack (3 Sessions): $45 (for new students only),

• Drop-in Class (1 Session): $25, or

• Flex Pass (10 Sessions): $195

Please note that we don't allow students under the age of 12 to attend Open Gym sessions without also taking parkour classes. Our facility isn't an indoor playground, and our classes teach necessary safety skills.

If you have never visited before, start by visiting our Prices page to set up an account, and then choose the Class Pack (or Membership) option that's right for you. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at hello@themovementpark.com, or reach out via phone or text at 503-844-8801. Our front desk is typically staffed after 2 pm weekdays and 9 am on Saturdays and Camp Days, and we are always happy to help!

We have classes for students ages 3 to adult! Our Little Ninjas classes are for (preschool) students ages 3 to 4, Junior Parkour is for students ages 5 to 6, and most other classes are for students ages 7 and above. You can read more about our offerings here: Class Descriptions and Class List by Age.

We're happy to say that we have quite a few families who do so, and that's actually why The Movement Park was created! Parkour is a sport that thrives on students learning from one another, so most of our classes are designed to accommodate a wide range of ages (typically, 7 to adult). That being said, cognitive development occurs in discrete stages as we grow, so for families with children under 7, please note that we have separate classes for students aged 3-4 years (Little Ninjas), and 5-6 years (Junior Parkour) to encourage this natural progression.

Parkour is a sport that thrives on students learning from one another, so most of our classes are designed for ages 7 to adult. That being said, late evening classes tend to have a higher percentage of older students, as does PK Tech, a low(er) intensity class focused on perfecting every aspect of individual parkour techniques.

Not to worry! That’s exactly why we are here: Parkour isn’t about following one single path to reach a destination. Instead, it’s a practice in learning how to progress forward safely and efficiently with an awareness of your environment, others, and your own personal limits - whatever they may be. Parkour classes at The Movement Park are designed to improve your strength and skill level in an incredibly fun, supportive, and safe environment. Our coaches will NEVER ask you to do something that you don't feel ready to do, nor will they require you to go on high obstacles if you don't feel comfortable. Over time, you will learn how to safely transition from high (or not so high!) to low terrain, navigate along balance obstacles, and/or adapt your movements to compensate or work around an old injury – in a way that feels most comfortable for YOU.

You can pre-register for classes in any of the following ways:

• Using our Mobile App (please click here to request access or review our app tutorials),

• Visiting our Class Schedule (click on the class you'd like to attend and enter the email attached to your account with us), 

• Calling or sending a text to 503-844-8801, or

• Emailing us at hello@themovementpark.com.

You can also register for multiple classes ahead of time using any of these options as long as you have sufficient classes available in your membership or class pack.

Please note: If you get sick or have a schedule change, you will need to cancel your registration before the start of class to avoid the registration deducting from your class count.

If you have any trouble registering, please contact us at hello@themovementpark.com or reach out via phone or text at 503-844-8801. Our front desk is typically staffed after 2 pm weekdays and 9 am on Saturdays and Camp Days.

Unfortunately, this is a limitation of the app that is outside of our control. If you book "day of", your registration will not show up under the "bookings" tab on your app. However, we will still be able to see your registration on our calendar.

Typically yes, provided there is space. The only time pre-registration is required is if the class is full and we have an active wait list. You can check for class availability by using the class calendars on our Class Schedule or on our Mobile App (please click here to request access or review our app tutorials).

We are sorry for the inconvenience. We often see large fluctuations in attendance starting with the second week of school, the new year, and early spring, and some classes may fill weeks in advance. Be assured that if a class reaches capacity every week, we are aware of the situation and are working to make adjustments to our schedule.

In the meantime, here are some options for you:

• Try to enroll as soon as you know your availability. You can register by using the class calendars on our Class Schedule or our Mobile App (please click here to request access or review our app tutorials).

• Use the class wait-list option. If a spot opens, the student will be bumped automatically into the class and you will be notified via email and SMS. Please make sure to respond yes or no so the system can register you or move on to the next person on the wait list.

• Try showing up in case of a No-Show. We hold spots for registered students for up to 5 minutes past the start of class time, then open that spot to those waiting at the gym. We cannot guarantee space will become available, so we only recommend this option if you live nearby, or are staying after another class.

• Explore the other options available to you. Most class types are offered on multiple days and times, and some may be less crowded (especially towards the end of the month!). Depending on the age and ability of the student, you also could check out some of our other classes. You can read more about our offerings here: Class Descriptions and Class List by Age.

• See if your student is ready to advance to a new class level. If they have been training for awhile, and seem like they are ready for a new challenge, we invite you to speak to their coach. If you would like more information on this process, visit our Class Progression page.

If we can help in any way, please contact us at hello@themovementpark.com or reach out via phone or text at 503-844-8801. Our front desk is typically staffed after 2 pm weekdays and 9 am on Saturdays and Camp Days.

Proximity check-in will prompt you to check-in to your scheduled class via your app when you arrive at The Movement Park.

To allow Proximity Check-In, you must go to your phone settings and turn on Clubworx App permissions.

For Samsung: 1. Go to your phone's settings. 2. Select "Apps" 3. Scroll to Clubworx App 4. Click to open it 5. Scroll down to "permissions" 6. Turn the toggle on for "Location".

For iPhone: Your phone will prompt you to allow Location permissions upon arrival to your class. You will need to allow Location permissions if you would like to use Proximity Check-In.

Yes! Please contact us at hello@themovementpark.com or reach out via phone or text at 503-844-8801 if you will not be attending a class or event as scheduled. Our front desk is typically staffed after 2 pm weekdays and 9 am on Saturdays and Camp Days. Parkour class registrations must be cancelled BEFORE the start of class to avoid the registration deducting from your class count. Cancellation policies for camps and events can be found on your waiver or our Camps and Events page.

Parkour classes are structured around specific skills and techniques*. They are led by a qualified instructor who adapts the skills and challenges for the age group and abilities of the students in class. Students are given some free time at the end of each class which can be used to play games, explore the equipment, or practice skills of their choosing. Variability, personal exploration, and creativity are an integral part of every parkour training session, so you may be surprised how well they hold the attention of even young or easily-distracted children.

Our Recess and Open Gym classes offer unstructured free time for the entire session. This time allows students to challenge themselves in new ways, play parkour skill-based games to reinforce the skills they’ve learned in class, and to practice the skills they need to advance to a new level. Recess and Open Gym sessions are always supervised by a qualified instructor who will reinforce safety rules, help set up obstacles and courses, and facilitate games and parkour challenges which encourage the students. For safety, we don't allow students under the age of 12 to attend Recess or Open Gym without also taking parkour classes. Although we want to inspire a love of movement-based play, our facility isn't an indoor playground, and our classes are designed to teach the skills and awareness necessary to keep everyone safe.

*Our Parkour Games class is structured, but focuses entirely on games that reinforce the parkour skills students have learned.

Each parkour class is structured around a specific skill and/or technique. Our qualified instructors then adapt these skills and challenges for the age group and abilities of the students in their class. While this ensures no two classes are exactly alike, we do follow a semi-predictable schedule. The first 5-10 minutes are spent stretching and warming up. The instructor then introduces the skill focus of the day. The class will work on that skill with 1-3 obstacle course progressions over the next 30 minutes or so. The instructors will offer water/rest breaks throughout the class, typically before moving to the next course progression. Finally, the class will wind down for the last 10 minutes with stretching, a cool down exercise, and/or free time to explore the floor and move creatively.

Similar to the “Free time” offered at the end of each of our parkour classes, Open Gym and Recess are opportunities for students to practice their parkour skills, spend more time on obstacles of their choosing, and occasionally play movement-based games.

• Open Gym is for students ages 7 years old and above (or who have progressed out of Junior Parkour 2),

• Recess is for students aged 5 to 6 years old, and

• Our combined Recess-Open Gym sessions are for students ages 5 to adult.

All sessions are supervised by an instructor who enforces safety rules and expects age-appropriate awareness to maintain a safe environment for all. For safety, we don't allow students under the age of 12 to attend Recess or Open Gym without also taking parkour classes. Although we want to inspire a love of movement-based play, our facility isn't an indoor playground, and our classes are designed to teach the skills and awareness necessary to keep everyone safe.

Since most activities involve climbing, jumping, and/or rolling, we suggest wearing loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that won’t restrict your movement. Layers are great for colder weather, and we have cubbies for you to store discarded sweatshirts, etc. Please avoid belts, buckles, skirts, or other materials that could catch on equipment or damage the mats. If you have long hair, please bring a hair tie or wear it pulled back away from your face so you can see where you are going, and so your hair doesn’t snag (ouch!).

In terms of footwear, we recommend athletic shoes with good grip, flexibility, and support. Shoes must be flat and secure. Heavy boots with square heels, dirty shoes, high heels, and shoes that will fall off (Clogs, flip-flops, etc) are NOT allowed. We strongly recommend AGAINST wearing high-top basketball shoes as they restrict movement (especially proper form for landing from jumps), and can result in injury. While some of our students prefer going barefoot, we always recommend having proper footwear in case your toes aren’t ready for the force and friction from some of our obstacles. Please note, if you choose to forego shoes, you must have bare feet; socks are slippery (even non-skid), and are not allowed.

No special shoes are required, just ones that you can move in! While training barefoot is not impossible, most traceurs (parkour practitioners) prefer to wear shoes for safety and comfort. Here are some recommended shoes from our community to get you started (keeping in mind that style names change frequently): Feiyues, New Balance Minimus, Merrell Glove, VivoBarefoot, Asics Onitsuka Tiger Ultimate 81, Vibram 5-Fingers, Puma Narita, Ollo's, Take Flight Ultras, and New Balance Zantes.

Ultimately, the “best shoe” for parkour is a personal choice based on what gives you the greatest comfort and freedom of movement, but keep these factors in mind as you explore your options:

1. Good Grip: Look for shoes with good rubber soles to give you better traction when running or climbing.

2. Ability to Feel the Ground: The tactile feedback of your feet against a surface (the ground, a wall, or some other obstacle) sends immediate signals to your brain that affect how you move.  If the sole is too thick or cushioned, some of this feedback gets lost.

3. Amount of Cushion: Not to contradict ourselves too much, but cushion is also important, especially for beginners. Using the correct form on a movement is key to preventing injury, but as we learn, we will make mistakes - and a little cushion to protect your feet and legs from impact can go a long way.

4. Angle/Drop from Heel to Toe: Whether for fashion or function, the vast majority of shoes today are designed with a higher heel than toe box. In other words, those fancy basketball shoes are essentially cushioned high heels (go take a look, we’re not exaggerating). This drop is counter to how we are naturally designed to move, and puts excess strain on our lower extremities, joints, and back. This is why many “minimalist” shoes with a “zero-drop” became popular; they allow you to move as if you were barefoot.

5. Weight and Flexibility: Heavy shoes with rigid soles tend to run counter to each of the factors mentioned so far (except, perhaps, for a good grip). They prevent you from using your feet fully, and/or moving naturally.  This is why we strongly recommend against using basketball shoes, skate shoes, or hiking shoes.

We recommend students bring a water bottle labeled with their name to all classes and events. We will offer periodic water breaks, and we encourage everyone to use them so they stay hydrated. We have a filtered water system for refills if you need them. We also have a Snack Shack stocked with snacks and drinks available for purchase. Payment options include cash or using a card on file. You can view the Snack Shack menu here.

Students progress through our classes based on age and/or ability. This is due to the natural progression of cognitive development that occurs as we grow. Our youngest students require more play-based training and free exploration, and as students advance, we increase the difficulty, skills, and focus. Everyone has different goals when training, and students naturally progress at their own pace. Students (and/or parents) are invited to speak to a coach when they feel they are ready for the additional challenge. Coaches will be honest with their feedback, and will tell you what, if anything, the student may need to focus on before they are ready to advance.

If you would like more information on this process, visit our Class Progression page.

All participants are expected to follow our code of conduct emphasizing safety, respect, and awareness of self, others, and the environment. We review this code of conduct with students as needed in classes, as well as at the start of our camps and events. Beyond this, we utilize a four-step approach for addressing behavioral concerns:

• Step 1: Verbal reminder of rules, and if necessary, options to manage feelings—talking to staff, quiet activities, or observation time.

• Step 2: Second reminder with warning about potential pause from activities for continued behavior.

• Step 3: A third discussion leads to an activity break. Students in class will be asked to step off the floor for a break. Campers can choose from a selection of calm activities (reading, Legos, crafts) with counselor supervision. We understand bad days happen. If the behavior persists, we'll contact guardians about next steps.

• Step 4: For ongoing issues or particularly difficult days, we'll call parents for support or pickup. We always welcome a fresh start on another day.

Anyone who steps foot on the floor of the facility needs a signed participation/liability waiver on file. You will typically be asked to complete the appropriate waiver when you purchase or register for your class(es) or event(s). This applies even if you've attended previously because individual classes or event types may have different waivers. If we are missing your waiver, we will ask you to complete it upon your arrival before allowing you to participate. Minors MUST have a waiver signed by their legal guardian, so keep that in mind if you are planning on carpool or dropping your child at the door, as we don't want them to miss out on any of the fun!

Not typically. We don’t take marketing photos very often, and when we do, it is often difficult to see the participants’ faces and identify them correctly (especially at some of our events like Glow Crazy, where it is dark, and/or the participants are wearing costumes!). This is exactly why we have a policy requiring a release from all participants! However, if you feel your situation warrants an exception, please send an email to hello@themovementpark.com with the following:

• Attention: Marketing,

• The name(s) of the relevant student(s),

• A clear photo (to be used internally for identification), and

• A brief description of the situation.

We will flag the student’s account so that our staff know to avoid taking pictures when the student is present. While this would be prohibitively difficult for us to manage with all students, and mistakes are possible, we do realize that some situations require special care and will do our best to accommodate.

We often find water bottles, shoes, sweatshirts, etc., after classes or events have concluded for the day, and will do our best to notify the owner if items are labeled with a name. We will then store (most) items in the lobby for 30 days, after which they will be donated or discarded. Please be aware that The Movement Park assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen articles, so we recommend you check you have gathered all of your belongings before you leave the facility.

Appropriate Footwear: Students are required to wear flat-soled athletic shoes, or move barefoot. Sandals, boots, or slip-on shoes are not permitted. Spectators and visitors: Those who have been given permission to enter the movement area are required to wear flat-soled shoes that are free of heels or heel-lifts. While some of our students prefer going barefoot, we always recommend having proper footwear in case your toes aren’t ready for the force and friction from some of our obstacles. Please note, if you choose to forego shoes, you must have bare feet; socks are slippery (even non-skid), and are not allowed. The Movement Park holds full discretion as to what footwear is considered appropriate and reserves the right to ask you to remove your shoes if they are found to be unsafe for you, or for our equipment.

Food & Drink: Food or drink may be brought into the spectator areas of the facility when stored in a non-breakable, enclosed container. No food or drink is allowed on the movement floors.

Alcohol, Tobacco & Controlled Substances: These are not permitted anywhere on the premises.

Lost Articles: The Movement Park assumes no responsibility for lost or stolen articles. Lost and found articles that are not claimed after 30 days will be donated to charity or thrown out.

Conduct: The Movement Park is committed to the health, safety, and welfare of each of its members and staff. We will not tolerate threatening, obscene, harassing, indecent, or illegal behaviors. The Movement Park has the right to judge behavior and respond accordingly. This right includes, but is not limited to, termination of membership of any member engaging in unacceptable behavior, without a refund.

Rules and/or Regulations: Students who do not observe The Movement Park rules and regulations, or who abuse equipment in any fashion will be asked to leave. The management reserves the right to terminate the membership of anyone who refuses to observe any of The Movement Park's rules or regulations. Not all rules and regulations are listed here. The Movement Park reserves the right to add, change, or remove rules, conditions of membership, opening and closing hours, and all services and facilities offered by The Movement Park.

Damages: Students shall pay for any damages to The Movement Park property or equipment which result from the willful or negligent conduct of a student, member guest, or dependent children.