Safe Parkour Circuit
Students move over, around and between low obstacles made of mats and gym benches, focusing on safe landings and flowing movement. A safe introduction to parkour that develops agility, body control and risk management at each student's own level.
How to play
- Set up a circuit with 4 benches and 12 mats, leaving a mat in every landing zone and space between obstacles (prep).
- Teach soft landings: jump from standing height onto a mat, landing on the balls of the feet with bent knees and arms forward (3 min).
- Practice stepping over a bench using hands for support (safety vault) and crawling under or along it (4 min).
- Practice precision jumps between mats, landing and freezing on the spot (3 min).
- Form 4 groups, one at each starting point, and run the full circuit with flow; students start only when the previous student is two obstacles ahead (8 min).
- Cool down with a slow walk through the circuit and a brief review (2 min).
Rules
- Mats in every landing zone.
- No jumping from height or off the bench top.
- Each student moves at their own level; no dares or competitions.
- Start only when the path is clear.
Variations
Easier
Low obstacles, walking pace and step-overs only.
Standard
Twenty minutes on the full circuit with vaults, precision jumps and flow.
Harder
Students create their own flowing route through the circuit with creative moves.
Adaptations
- Fear or anxiety: start with low obstacles and allow walking around any obstacle.
- Limited mobility: design an adapted route using mats and ramps.
- Low fitness: shorter circuits with rest between laps.
Learning goals
- Develop agility and body control.
- Learn to land safely and manage risk.
- Respect personal limits and others.
Equipment for a class of 25
- mats: 12
- gym bench: 4
Teacher tip
Check the benches are stable and mats don't slide before starting. Teach that parkour is about control, not speed.
PatioLab has "Safe Parkour Circuit" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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