Nowadays, there’s an active group of urban "power walkers." These individuals briskly walk along roadsides or around park rockeries and residential flower beds, with some even chanting slogans as they walk to boost their energy. Brisk walking has become a popular health and leisure activity among middle-aged and elderly people. Younger folks, on the other hand, prefer parkour, which incorporates obstacle navigation and skill-based elements into brisk walking, making it more visually engaging.
Parkour, also known as "urban free-running," originated in France in the 1980s. It treats the entire city as a giant training ground and is highly entertaining. Rolling, wall jumps, vaulting over obstacles… these cool moves are all part of parkour training. Parkour enthusiasts are incredibly skilled, constantly pushing their physical limits.
Wang Yunxin, an individual business owner with two years of parkour experience, is one such enthusiast. "I first got into parkour in early 2009 when I saw videos of overseas parkour athletes online—it was simply amazing!" Deeply captivated by the impressive moves, he quickly searched online to find if there were any parkour practitioners in Tianjin. "Back then, there weren’t many people doing it here—just one or two groups. After reaching out through various channels, I joined one of them." Since then, Wang has become a dedicated parkour athlete. "We train three to four times a week. On Tuesday and Thursday evenings, we often practice at the square outside the Xinhua Music Hall in Xiaobailou, using equipment to create obstacles. On weekends off, we head to indoor basketball or badminton courts, or even along the Haihe River. As long as there’s space and a good pair of sports shoes, we can get moving." Now, Wang is part of a parkour team called "Zero Gravity," where the members are highly enthusiastic.
Parkour moves vary in difficulty. For beginners, the basic moves are relatively easy to master, but after that, it depends on individual physical fitness and talent. "Never try to show off in parkour. We always train new moves under protection, starting on foam mats before moving to the ground once we’re proficient. Safety always comes first!" During training, members often give each other feedback on their moves. "Nowadays, there are more parkour groups, and we often team up with others for joint training and friendly competitions. We also sign up for annual competitions in Beijing to broaden our horizons!"
After two years of practice, Wang can now perform moves like backflips. In real life, parkour has also come in handy. "Once, I saw an elderly lady almost fall while crossing the street due to the crowd, so I leaped over everyone and quickly helped her up. People around me stared in shock, and a middle school girl even said, 'That was so cool, you looked just like Donnie Yen in Bodyguards and Assassins!' I felt really accomplished!" Beyond helping others, parkour itself is highly entertaining. "The moves are flashy and incredibly satisfying to watch, and competing with others brings a thrill of athleticism—way more fun than staying home playing video games!"
Over the past two years, Wang has gone from merely sprinting to mastering a variety of moves. "It’s a process of challenging myself, while also staying fit, relaxing my mind, and meeting a great group of like-minded friends. Lots of fun things happen during training, and my life has become much richer."
Friendly Tips
1. Brisk walking is better suited for seniors than running: Running is a high-intensity exercise that places more strain on the body than walking, making it less suitable for the elderly. Brisk walking is relatively simpler, safer, and promotes health and disease prevention, while also lifting one’s mood and bringing physical comfort. However, those with heart disease, asthma, or poor cardiopulmonary function should pay extra attention to their physical condition while brisk walking and stop immediately if they feel unwell.
2. Speed of brisk walking: Generally, speeds under 3 km/h are considered walking, while about 4.5 km/h is brisk walking. Seniors and those with weaker constitutions should reduce speed accordingly. For untrained individuals who are overweight, it’s best to gradually increase speed during workouts.
3. Brisk walking should be tailored to one’s ability: While brisk walking has many benefits, it shouldn’t be overdone—especially for elderly individuals and those with cardiovascular conditions. Avoid pushing yourself too hard and adjust according to your own limits.
4. Posture during brisk walking: Walk with large strides, agile movements, and swinging arms. Keep your head up and chest out. When performing upper-body exercises, avoid overly intense motions that could cause a sudden spike in blood pressure. Be mindful of maintaining steady breathing.
5. Venue for brisk walking: Exercise in suitable weather conditions and choose scenic locations. Breathe in warm, moist air and avoid exercising in cold, dry, or highly humid environments.
6. Don’t go brisk walking on an empty stomach: Pay special attention to blood sugar levels during exercise. Avoid working out on an empty stomach; the optimal time to exercise is 1.5 to 2 hours after a meal.
7. Parkour enhances body coordination: Coordination is crucial for parkour enthusiasts. Those with poor coordination must put in significant effort to improve it. Strength is also vital—shoulders, arms, back, core, and legs all need comprehensive training.
8. Safety first in parkour: Beyond overcoming mental barriers, training must be conducted under safe conditions. When practicing high-difficulty moves like front flips, back flips, and wall flips, always use mats to prevent injury.