A COMPANY which trains fitness instructors has announced a partnership with the world’s largest professional freerunning organisation.

Freerunning, known in the industry as Parkour, was popularised through chases in films such as Casino Royale and The Bourne Ultimatum.

Poole-based The Training Room has become the UK’s first training provider to partner with a Parkour expert. It will work with Parkour Generations to help people become instructors through the internationally recognised Parkour Fitness Specialist programme.

The four-day course is open to those who have an interest in fitness, with no experience required. It also offers the chance for qualified personal trainers to add to their skills.

The Training Room operates 29 training academies from its base on Waterloo Road, offering fast-track vocational training since 2006 to those looking to work in the fitness industry.

Students who complete the course will have an industry-recognised Parkour UK CYQ level two qualification in instructing Parkour.

Lucy Birch, head of training at The Training Room, said: “This partnership marks a huge milestone for The Training Room and we are extremely excited and proud to be the first UK training provider to collaborate with an industry leader in Parkour.

“Freerunning is a very modern and fast-paced sport and is really taking off at the moment. We’re looking forward to seeing people with a passion for fitness try out something completely unique, and the classes are guaranteed to challenge students and push them to the next level.”

Dan Edwardes, founder and director of Parkour Generations, said: “Parkour can be one of the most natural ways to develop functional fitness and movement skills, and is a discipline that works fantastically in helping people to realise just how much their bodies are capable of.

“The course has already proven to have great appeal with industry professionals globally as they look for ways to advance in their personal training careers, but would be equally rewarding for anybody who enjoys keeping fit. We’re really looking forward to working with The Training Room and showing students all that Parkour has to offer.”

The Training Room operates in partnership with some of the biggest brands in the UK, including Fitness First, Virgin Active, PureGym, ESPA and David Lloyd Health Clubs.