The Full Guardian Article

Giving a Parkour Session to Zoe Williams from The Guardian

It was an ordinary day at London Parkour when I received an unusual request: Zoe Williams, a journalist from The Guardian, wanted to experience parkour firsthand. Her idea was to write about it not from the sidelines, but through full immersion. I was thrilled by the prospect—it’s not every day you get to show the ropes to someone who's as curious and adventurous as Zoe.

The Skeptic Turns Adventurer

Upon arriving at our practice spot—a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by low walls—Zoe appeared more than a little skeptical. "Is parkour really for everyone?" she asked me as we walked towards the practice area.

I assured her that parkour is inclusive: “Yes, as long as you start with what they are able to do safely,” I explained. Whether it’s someone carrying extra weight or the strongest man alive, parkour is about working with what you have and pushing your own limits safely.

We kicked off with some warm-ups focusing on flexibility and coordination. As I always say, warming up is crucial—especially when you’re not 17 anymore! Zoe found herself trying to trace shapes with her wrist while rotating her knee, which is harder than it looks. Despite her struggles, I could see a spark in her eyes; she was already hooked.

The Basics: Balance and Step Vaults

After warming up, we moved on to basic balance exercises. I pointed to a rail on a low wall, explaining that simply balancing on one foot was the first step. To her surprise, Zoe managed a solid 10 seconds on her right leg and 6 on her left. Her face lit up with triumph.

Next, we introduced the step vault—a foundational move where you plant one hand on a wall, swing a leg over, and tuck your opposite knee beneath you. It takes a bit of practice, but Zoe got the hang of it in no time.

She remarked that the experience was surprisingly physical but not overly technical, making it accessible for beginners who are willing to give it a go.

Letting Loose in the Urban Playground

The real fun began when we started using the environment around us: poles, railings, walls, and even scaffolding became part of our makeshift playground. We spent nearly an hour experimenting—swinging around poles, balancing on narrow ledges, and trying out various jumps.

At one point, Zoe found herself shimmying along a wall just inches off the ground, completely absorbed in the challenge. She even attempted a cat leap—running at a wall, planting her foot high, and reaching for the ledge at the top. It was incredible to see her enthusiasm as she pushed her limits.

She got so into it that by the end, she was covered in dirt and grease, with a tiny nick on her wrist. “That’s great, you’re actually bleeding!” I teased, and her response was one of pure joy. It’s not often you see someone so delighted with a battle scar from a training session.

Key Takeaways from Zoe's Experience

By the end of our session, Zoe was exhilarated but exhausted. The beauty of parkour, she realized, lies in its simplicity and creativity. "You could lose hours just creating routines and trying to speed them up," she noted.

She also shared a unique insight: If you’re frightened to do something, try making it harder by closing your eyes. This counterintuitive approach helps build confidence when you go back to the original challenge.

Final Thoughts

Introducing Zoe to parkour was a blast. Her article captured the essence of what we aim to do at London Parkour: show that parkour isn’t just for the ultra-fit or the thrill-seekers—it’s for anyone who’s willing to try, to fail, and to keep pushing forward.

If you’re inspired by Zoe’s story and want to give parkour a go, we’re always here to welcome newcomers, skeptics, and adventurous souls alike.

Ready to take the leap? Book your session with us today!

Andy Pearson
Founder, London Parkour