How Tantparkour Is Redefining Fitness and Fun for Older Adults Worldwide
A German fitness influencer has turned urban obstacle training into a global movement. Maria Ringsen, a music teacher by profession, created Tantparkour—a playful mix of parkour and sensual movement for older adults. The trend has now caught the attention of researchers and earned her over 50,000 Instagram followers.
Ringsen launched Tantparkour in 2023, blending the Swedish word tant (meaning 'older woman' or 'aunt') with parkour. The concept encourages people to use everyday objects—like benches, bike racks, and fences—to build balance, agility, and strength. She insists on making movement part of daily life, whether on the way to work or while running errands.
Her lighthearted approach, including self-deprecating humour about an older woman navigating urban obstacles, has resonated widely. The movement’s popularity even led to Tantparkour being named Sweden’s Word of the Year in 2023. Heike Bischoff-Ferrari, a researcher specialising in ageing, highlights the physical and mental benefits of the practice. She notes that group sessions improve key skills like coordination while boosting psychological well-being. Bischoff-Ferrari also points to the social advantages, linking such activities to longer, healthier lives for both men and women. Ringsen’s influence extends beyond social media. Her work has inspired a university study examining how Tantparkour challenges age-related stereotypes.
The Tantparkour movement continues to grow, blending fitness with fun and community. Ringsen’s approach has not only gained online traction but also sparked academic interest in redefining active ageing. The trend shows how simple, playful movement can reshape attitudes toward exercise at any age.
