If you can imagine a cross between walking on a tightrope and bouncing on a trampoline then you’ve got the gist of slacklining. Believed to have originated from climbers in Yosemite Valley, in California, who were looking for ways to improve their core stability and balance; slacklining is now emerging as the balancing act of choice by hard-core climbers, yogis, children and aging executives alike.
Men’s Journal touted the sport as the best way to prevent and heal sprained ankles and torn knees, and The Wall Street Journal recently profiled an ultra-marathoner who has successfully incorporated slacklining to his fitness and routine after ACL surgery.
RELATED STORY: How One Dad Makes Room For Kids In His Backyard Workout
So how does it work? After securing the slackline (usually a 1-inch-wide nylon webbing) between two trees, its height can be adjusted according to the user’s comfort level. Beginners should simply try to balance on the webbing a half-foot off the ground, then progress to walking, walking backwards, squatting up and down, catching a ball or even juggling. Experienced slackers can jump up and down and even perform flips.
According to slackline instructor Roman Miranda, slacklining is not just a workout for your legs. You use a lot of upper body and core strength to balance, as well as glutes and the stabilizing muscles in your legs.
A word of caution for those wanting to try slacklining: Although slacklining has been shown to prevent and heal injured knees, Miranda emphasizes that you need to make sure to keep the femur lined up with the knee. Otherwise, you may end up with ACL tears.
Curated Article from The Wall Street Journal
Photo Credit: Wikipedia
If you can imagine a cross between walking on a tightrope and bouncing on a trampoline then you’ve got the gist of slacklining. Believed to have originated from climbers in Yosemite Valley, in California, who were looking for ways to improve their core stability and balance; slacklining is now emerging as the balancing act of choice by hard-core climbers, yogis, children and aging executives alike.
