Finding Balance Through Parkour

Aiden Lenner | Writer

Lehigh Valley Parkour Academy

I am no stranger to the stress that school brings. I’ve talked to many friends about the hardships of college and the ways they’ve learned to cope. Some answered with video games, others talked about  reading or sleeping.

This question led me to look inward to reflect on how I cope with the stress of my studies. I concluded that I deal with my stress through physical activity. 

For some people physical activity means hitting the gym, lifting weights or going for runs. I found an outlet that really fits my interests that isn’t your typical gym, parkour. 

Most people imagine parkour as the sport where “athletes jump off buildings.” While higher-level athletes perform Redbull style stunts like that, there is a sophisticated and more grounded way to learn and practice Parkour. I train at the Lehigh Valley Parkour Academy in Allentown. 

Parkour teaches the natural way of movement and biomechanics - how our bodies move. It teaches coordination, safety and most importantly, an understanding of movement. I have been training for upwards of twelve years, which means I have been able to learn skills that have given me a different creative outlet beyond schoolwork. I enjoy nothing more than throwing a few back flips after a long day of classes. 

Remember that your mental and physical well-being are important. Even though college is demanding, never disregard your health.