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BROOKLINE, Mass. (AP) — A spirited sport that treats the world as one big obstacle course is gaining traction outside of the urban enthusiasts whose YouTube-worthy acrobatics spread its popularity.
Once the domain of the outdoor anti-athlete, parkour (PAR'-kur) is becoming increasingly popular for people who just want to get a good workout.
Thirty-two-year-old Jessamyn Hodge is a software and information engineer from South Boston. She says parkour is like dancing at high speed.
Parkour was developed in France in the 1980s. It borrows elements from martial arts, gymnastics, rock climbing and other athletic fields.
Classes include a warm-up, technical drills to learn the basics of safety and games to teach and reinforce parkour techniques.
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