My son, John, and I visited The Movement Lab Collective, an indoor parkour gym offering families in the Lakes Region an innovative and exciting way to play and be fit.
Parkour is a typically urban activity that involves moving your body through obstacles in the environment. It provides a full body workout that builds strength, coordination and agility while also flexing those mental muscles. Anyone can do it - individually or in groups called jams!
This was our first visit to the Lab and we were given the “Newbie Checklist”, a series of challenges to try in each of the training areas: parkour, ninja warrior and calisthenics. The first of twelve objectives was to perform a speed vault. From there we moved on to explore the 14-foot high warped wall, custom-built “tower of power”, climbing ropes and trampoline. By the end of an hour my video game-addicted son was jumping, climbing, balancing and problem solving in real life. And he loved it!
According to Ed Whitehead, founder and owner of The Movement Lab, “Parkour enhances both body and mind. Athletes express themselves through creative movement.” Whitehead uses his background in education, experience with ninja warrior classes and passion for parkour to bring a truly unique and FUN space to Windham.
The Movement Lab Collective is Maine’s first dedicated parkour gym. The coaches and trainers are some of the top parkour athletes in the area. The Lab offers a full schedule of classes for children, teens and adults. They host regular open gym times and private events, including birthday parties. Right now they’re taking registrations for Parkour Summer Camp.
Call 207-572-4000 or visit www.movementlabcollective.com to learn more.
