A common training discussion in the Parkour world is whether or not to incorporate lifting weights into one’s training regime. Traceurs such Chase Armitage, Charles Poujade, and Thomas Dudoue embrace the addition and have made it known publicly that it’s part of their training (via their Instagram channels). However, many other Traceurs including Daniel Ilabaca, Pedro Salgado, and even David Belle himself claim to have never lifted weights seriously.
I thought I’d delve a bit deeper into this topic by going directly to pros and asking their thoughts on lifting. I asked 25 prominent Traceurs their views on the matter, and from that 11 were willing to chime in. Below are 10 of those 11. I saved the response for the 10th (Caleb Iuliano) to feature for an entire article because his response was so comprehensive.
Here are there answers along with videos of every pro, so you can see their movement in connection with their view. You can also click on each of their names to be directed to their Instagram (opens in new window) so you can follow them.
“I believe lifting weights is a must for any parkour athlete intermediate to advance. The benefits are so incredible when done right. In a sport where overuse injuries to knees are so common it’s important we build a body that can withstand the force we place on it. A common benefit people want out of lifting weights is a bigger jump so I’ll vaguely explain how you can use weights to achieve that goal. Power = Strength X Speed. Lifting heavy weights and progressively adding more over time will build your body up for strength gains. Then after a few months of that lower the weight and focus on lifting fast while adding plyometrics. Your precision jump will improve greatly.” –D’Ondrai Jones
“I don’t have an opinion on it. I’ve never lifted as part of my training.” –Pedro Salgado
“I recently started to lift to be better at jumping – to have more explosion. But when I was in Marseille I didn’t really lift for Parkour, but sometimes I went to crossfit.” –Orane Florinda
“I think it’s good for the height level.” –Charles Brunet
“Lifting is a good deal!!! I promise if you lift weights your power potential grow up! But remember, lifting is a dangerous thing like a parkour, or another extreme sports. You should to change your life for it too! Food, rest, program for progress, everything is important! If you not ready for this just don’t do it! If you are ready for this, so, welcome to the next level! I never do lifting after jumping (Parkour), and I never do parkour after lifting. [I only lift after resting] in between.” –Alexandr Gisych
“I work my body with other exercises such as calisthenics. I do not see it necessary to use weights because for a perfect body for parkour we need a strong and agile body.” –Antonio Quinonero
“I think lifting weights is definitely beneficial in Parkour. Mostly to strengthen & condition one’s body to be able to take impact better & be able to maintain a strong training style with less chance of injury. I’ve never really noticed my running jump to get bigger with weight lifting, but definitely for plyos & standing jumps, and for taking impact or punching out of a landing. Which means you can attempt bigger jumps as you can handle them better!” –David Nelmes
“The only weight I life is my own! Among other things like a glass of water and the usual day to day things! : )” –Daniel Ilabaca
“I have always included weight training into my weekly routine because with Parkour the majority of movements focus in on the back, pulling motions from all the climbing and so I like to balance out the pulling with pushing, eg bench press. Also I feel it’s great to keep up a level of conditioning and focus on keeping the body and muscles balanced and strong. Weights can be amazing for rehabbing injured or weak muscles by focusing in on them with dedicated isolation. I also feel that parkour athletes can benefit from looking in good shape for a professional career if they wish to go down that route. I like to have a minimum of 3 days per week weight training. All in all I can’t floor weight training only if you lift too much or have bad form in which injuries can happen, and I have experienced this.” –Chase Armitage
“I think it can help a lot, but I also think it’s WAY less important than people make it out to be. Training hard and pursuing movement goals is much more important than lifting IMO. Lifting can help speed up those movement goals but only if done correctly and consistently. That consistency CAN take away from your training and actually be detrimental to your movement goals if you aren’t disciplined enough.” –Joey Adrian
So there you have it – some varying views on the topic of lifting weights as a part of Parkour training. Although most of the Traceurs who chimed in actively lift as part of their training, it’s clear that not all Traceurs do which always reminds me how there is no one way to train. I like it that way : )
We hope you found value in this article! If you’d like to chime in on the discussion, leave a comment below! We’d love to hear your thoughts and respond accordingly.