Vita Parcour, An Outdoor Exercise For All

The original trail was built in 1968 near Zurich. Today, Switzerland boasts about 500 across the country and there are an estimated 2,500 worldwide. The Vita Parcour course consists of a series of obstacles and exercise stations set up along a jogging path and is found outside in nature. The first parcour course came into existence when a men’s gymnastics team in the commune of Wollishofen (a suburb in Zürich's 2nd district) decided a great way to train and get some fresh air at the same time was by heading to a nearby forest and utilised natural materials, such as tree stumps, as obstacles for a fitness trail.

As Switzerland is known for their efficiency, the community aims to keep its forest clean and organized, and regularly cleared the trail of the natural debris. Finding their parcour dismantled, the group turned to the authorities asking for the approval to create a permanent fitness trail which could be used by anyone wanting to exercise outside in nature. The idea was well received, and a sponsor was found: the insurance company VITA (now Zurich Financial Services Group) which gave the unique trails their name, Vita Parcour, which they are still known by in Switzerland. It became enormously successful. The idea really snowballed, starting in Zurich and then spreading around the world.

“Vita Parcour plays a vital role at Blue Rock Village, as it brings nature, community and well - being together.” Explained the developer of Blue Rock Village. With the fresh air and idyllic surroundings and with the option to cool down in the clearest, warmest, freshwater of the Blue Rock lake, there is certainly no better or healthier way to get the heart pumping.