Parkour, an art of movement that involves running, jumping, and climbing to overcome obstacles, has gained immense popularity over the years.

Among the many techniques in parkour, the Lazy Vault stands out for its simplicity, efficiency, and elegance.

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned traceur, understanding and mastering the Lazy Vault can enhance your movement repertoire and boost your confidence in tackling various urban landscapes.

The Lazy Vault is a fundamental parkour maneuver used to efficiently traverse low to medium-height obstacles like walls or railings. It involves a combination of jumping, swinging, and using your hands and legs to smoothly navigate over an obstacle.

Unlike some other vaults that require high levels of athleticism and power, the Lazy Vault focuses on fluidity and minimal effort, making it accessible for practitioners of all skill levels.

How to Perform the Lazy Vault

Performing a Lazy Vault involves several steps, each crucial for a smooth and efficient execution:

Approach the Obstacle: Start by running towards the obstacle at a comfortable speed. Your approach speed will vary depending on your confidence and the height of the obstacle.

Take-off: As you reach the obstacle, jump off one foot (usually your dominant foot) while simultaneously placing your opposite hand on the obstacle for support.

Swing Your Legs: While holding onto the obstacle with one hand, swing your legs over to the side. Your body should remain low and close to the obstacle to maintain balance and control.

Land Smoothly: After your legs have cleared the obstacle, place your other hand down for extra stability if needed and land gently on the other side.

Key Elements of the Lazy Vault

Hand Placement: Proper hand placement is crucial for maintaining balance and control. Your first hand should grip the obstacle firmly, while the second hand can provide additional support if necessary.

Body Positioning: Keep your body low and close to the obstacle to minimize effort and maintain momentum.

Leg Swing: A smooth and controlled leg swing helps in clearing the obstacle efficiently without losing speed or balance.

Mastering the Lazy Vault offers several advantages for parkour enthusiasts:

Efficiency and Energy Conservation

The Lazy Vault is designed to be energy-efficient. By using minimal force and leveraging body mechanics, it allows you to conserve energy for other movements and longer training sessions.

Versatility

This vault can be used in various scenarios, from urban settings with walls and railings to natural environments with logs and rocks. Its versatility makes it a valuable technique in any traceur's toolkit.

Building Confidence

For beginners, the Lazy Vault is an excellent starting point. Its simplicity and low-risk nature help build confidence and encourage further exploration of more complex movements.

Poor Hand Placement

One of the most common mistakes is improper hand placement, leading to a lack of balance and control. Ensure your hand is firmly gripping the obstacle and positioned to support your weight effectively.

Inadequate Leg Swing

Failing to swing your legs high enough can result in hitting the obstacle or losing momentum. Practice your leg swings to ensure they are smooth and controlled.

Rushing the Movement

While speed is essential in parkour, rushing through the Lazy Vault can compromise your technique. Focus on performing the movement smoothly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable.

Warm-Up Exercises

Before attempting the Lazy Vault, engage in a proper warm-up to prepare your body. Focus on exercises that enhance your upper body strength, flexibility, and leg coordination.

Drills and Practice

Incorporate specific drills into your training to improve your Lazy Vault technique. Practice on various obstacles of different heights and textures to develop versatility.

Combining Movements

Integrate the Lazy Vault with other parkour movements, such as the Kong Vault or Speed Vault, to create fluid and dynamic sequences. This combination enhances your adaptability and overall parkour skills.

Use Protective Gear

While not always necessary, using protective gear like gloves and knee pads can prevent injuries, especially when practicing on rough or hard surfaces.

Start Slow

Begin with low obstacles and gradually progress to higher ones as you build confidence and technique. Rushing into challenging obstacles can lead to unnecessary risks.

Train with a Partner

Practicing with a partner can provide valuable feedback and assistance, making your training sessions safer and more enjoyable.

The Lazy Vault is a fundamental yet versatile parkour move that every traceur should master.

Its focus on efficiency, fluidity, and minimal effort makes it an essential technique for navigating urban and natural environments.

By understanding the key elements, avoiding common mistakes, and integrating it into your training, you can enhance your parkour skills and move with greater confidence and grace.

Embrace the Lazy Vault as a stepping stone to more complex movements and enjoy the journey of continuous improvement in the exciting world of parkour.