If you got your introduction to parkour from Michael Scott, Dwight Schrute and Andy Bernard from “The Office,” you’re not alone. But while the trio’s take on the workout is mostly goofy, Tempest Freerunning Academy is serious about spreading the word about parkour and freerunning.
“Parkour is all about getting from point A to point B as efficiently as possible,” Tempest Freerunning Academy manager Billy Branch says. “Freerunning is the same type of movements but with more stylistic flips and tricks involved.”
With hour-long classes following a set curriculum, patrons can learn everything they need to in order to move up a skill level in 10 weeks.
“Martial arts gyms have belts… at our gym, we have bands that you wear on your wrist that say what level you are,” Billy says. “And just like a martial arts gym, we have testings every so often.”
In the gym, there are structures built to look like the outside world — the LA skyline, a parking garage and rooftop air ducts, to name a few. Tempest also has a springboard floor, a giant airbag that looks like a pool and two trampolines — one that is Olympic-sized and one that is, the bounciest trampoline you can buy in the U.S., according to Billy.
“I’ve had people jump on it and touch the ceiling of this place,” Billy says. “There’s a lot in this gym, and because we have all these blocks we can move around, you can always build something new.”
Whether you’re a risk-taker or want to try a new and exciting kind of cardio workout, Tempest Freerunning Academy provides the thrills to keep you motivated.
“I’ve never seen a class end without everyone looking like they had a great time. Everyone’s smiling, everyone’s laughing, patting each other on the back,” Billy says. “There’s this beautiful sort of community we have here where people really enjoy movement and enjoy doing it together in a group.”