Thursdays, 7.00-8.30pm
£10
Reservations necessary. See below
Female practitioners only.
Run by Naomi Honey, Tracey Tiltman, Annty Marais, Johann Vigroux and Chris 'Blane' Rowat, the Women's Academy outdoor classes offer an environment for women of all levels of ability and experience to practise and develop together.
| Location | Cost | Date | Start Time | End Time | Class Status | View Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vauxhall | £10 | 09/09/2010 | 19:00 | 20:30 | Available | [View] |
What to expect...
The women's beginner classes are just that - there are generally two instructors (one male, one female) and 5-10 students (all female), with experience varying from absolute beginners upwards. Whatever your level, the class will be tailored to you! The atmosphere is really friendly and supportive and you'll work on different things in every class. If you come on your own don't worry you'll be part of the group immediately. Most students are 20-35 but all ages are welcome!
Each class is 90 minutes long and follows a broad structure of warm-up, technical training, strength conditioning and warm-down, although the specifics will vary every week. They take place in different spots around London – with details of where to meet on the website.
What to wear...
Trainers and sports clothes! Trainers with a bit of cushioning and good grip are best, but you don't need anything special at all. You'll be outside so dress according to the weather, and just wear something that doesn't restrict your movement. Sports trousers/tracksuit bottoms and a vest top or t-shirt are best for summer, with extra layers to keep you warm if it's chilly and before and after class. You'll need to come changed and ready to go – or come early and hunt out a friendly pub where they'll let you change in the ladies'...
What to bring...
Bring some water - it's thirsty work and it's important to keep hydrated. Apart from that and your sports gear, you don't need any equipment! We move around to different spots during the class, but tend to stop and put the bags down while we train, so don't worry if you have stuff to carry. Try to pack fairly light as we might have a 5 minute jog to the spot at the beginning, and bear in mind that backpacks are easier to run with than shoulder bags.
How to book...
Book onto a class by clicking through to the 'view details' link and following the instructions.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact us on: girls@parkourgenerations.com
What the students say...
"The people were friendly, the instructors supportive, even though they push you! You don't have to be super fit either, my coordination and level of agility are poor but even after the first class I saw a massive improvement."
"The thing I like most about the class is the feeling of achievement when you master something new - it's brilliant. The Women's class is usually fairly small and there's a really supportive atmosphere in all the classes; I always feel encouraged by everyone, and it makes the class really good fun, even when you're physically working really hard."
"Everybody was very friendly and I instantaneously felt part of the group. During the class the tutors were supportive and attentive adjusting the training programme to the abilities of each class participant. There was no doubt in my mind that I would come back"
"Before I came to an outdoor class, I was a bit worried that I wasn't fit enough, and that I would feel silly for not knowing as much as people who had been going a longer time. As it turned out, there is a version of each exercise for everyone, so whether you're trying something for the first time or practicing a move you've done before, there is an option for you."
"For those wanting to improve their fitness and tone up, this is perfect. You use your whole body. It is now five days since my first class and I can still feel it in my abs. My whole body got a workout - I was very stiff for a couple of days after! Give it a go!!"
"Before trying out a beginner's class I was apprehensive that I had no experience in parkour at all and that everyone would be really strong athletically, obsessed with the gym and able to do stunts and I would seem out of place but I was wrong! Everyone has a background in a different sport/ discipline /interest with varying abilities so it doesn't matter."
"The ladies' beginner training sessions. Five things you don't have to worry about:
1. The teachers always welcome new people and novices, so you won't be the odd one out.
2. You don't need to be particularly fit when starting the classes.
3. Activities are done as a group so you don't have to wait to find a friend who wants to do a class with you before joining.
4. You learn parkour moves from the get-go, you will definitely surprise yourself how quick your confidence will increase in just the first lesson.
5. The teachers are inspirational and are always on hand to coach you to perfect your technique."
"The tutors are really encouraging and will demonstrate and explain movements. They are really helpful in giving individual pointers and suggestions for the whole group to improve on."
"The team at PKG are excellent at making sure you work hard, without asking you to do the impossible: you're constantly surprised at how much you can learn. My two recommendations for anyone thinking of joining a class would be: 1) bring a bottle of water; you'll get thirsty, and 2) come along - it's great fun and we'd love to see you there!"
Once a month Parkour Generations organises a women-only outdoor training day, where women of all ages and levels of ability can learn from and with each other. These sessions usually begin in the late morning on a Sunday at a pre-chosen London hotspot, and are free and open to all women who wish to learn. For more information or to attend the next Women's Jam, email the Instructors on girls(at)parkourgenerations.com
The traceuse classes are a hugely popular weekly training session aimed at any and all women of all abilities.
If you are female and interested in starting parkour then this class has been tailored just for you. Browse through our galleries and videos to see what you're missing. Book a class today!