Slackline Walking Benefits: Lose weight and improve focus with slackline walking; know all the benefits | – Times of India
Slackline walking perhaps originated when the rock climbing community in Yosemite National Park took up this unique challenge to have fun as well as maintain their concentration, fitness, core strength and balance skills. However, it is in the recent years that slacklining has become a rage among youth.
To start slackline walking, all you have to do is to tie the two ends of a flexible webbing to a pole-like surface and attempt to maintain balance. However, many prefer to do it over water as it prevents risk of injury. However one needs to be careful about inner ear injuries from water impact.
With time, practice, and persistence, you can ace it.
Let’s try to understand more about slackline walking and its benefits.
What is slackline walking?
Slackline walking is an activity wherein a person balances and walks on a narrow, flexible webbing which is stretched tightly between two anchor points. You can tie it on a tree or a pole. The band is a few inches wide and can be adjusted at various heights and tension levels.
Why slackline walking is in news
People have been discussing slackline walking after Jaan Roose, an Estonian slackline athlete, made history by walking on a longest slackline ever made, which stretched 3,646 metres or 3.5 kilometres. He broke the current Guinness World Record of 2,710 metres, as per a report by EuroNews. While sharing the video of this challenging walk on Instagram, Roose wrote: “I’m walking right now on the world’s longest slackline. 3,640 metres from the mainland of Italy all the way to Sicily over the Messina Strait.”
Difference between slackline walking and tightrope walking
While both these techniques seem similar, slackline walking is a different ballgame altogether compared to tightrope walking. Both of these styles need different balancing tactics. The slackline webbing is flat and wider; it stretches easily and is dynamic. It is bouncy unlike the rigid tightrope which doesn’t oscillate as you move. While walking tightrope you need a balancing pole, while slackline walking doesn’t require it.
Great for rehabilitation
Slackline walking goes beyond fun and adventure and is recommended even as a therapy for people recovering from leg injuries. The act of walking on a slackline combines neurobiological, biomechanical, and sensory components which contribute in enhancing balance, posture, and muscle strength. Various studies demonstrate how slacklining can activate key muscles with little effort and can be a useful part of a tailored rehab program, and can improve knee stability and overall movement control.
Benefits of slackline walking
Slackline walking, a practice that involves balancing and walking on a narrow, flexible piece of webbing strung between two anchors, is a fun and challenging activity with numerous benefits. Here’s how it can help you lose weight, improve focus, and enhance your overall well-being.
1. Weight loss and muscle toning
Slackline walking is an excellent exercise for burning calories and shedding excess weight. The continuous balancing act engages various muscle groups, especially the core, legs, and glutes. As you work to maintain your balance on the slackline, these muscles are constantly activated, leading to increased muscle tone and strength. Regular slackline walking sessions can help you burn fat, build lean muscle, and achieve a more toned physique.
2. Improved focus and concentration
Walking on a slackline requires intense concentration and focus. To stay balanced, you need to be fully present and aware of your body’s movements. This mental engagement helps improve your ability to concentrate and stay focused on tasks. Over time, the practice can enhance your cognitive skills, making it easier to maintain attention in other areas of your life, such as work or study.
3. Enhanced balance and coordination
One of the primary benefits of slackline walking is improved balance and coordination. The activity challenges your proprioception, which is your body’s ability to sense its position in space. By regularly practicing slackline walking, you can enhance your balance and coordination, which can benefit you in various physical activities and daily tasks.
4. Stress relief and mental clarity
Slackline walking is not only a physical exercise but also a form of moving meditation. The focus required to stay on the line can help clear your mind of stress and worries. The rhythmic nature of balancing on the slackline can be soothing, promoting relaxation and mental clarity. This stress-relieving aspect makes slackline walking a great way to unwind and improve your mental health.
5. Joint stability and injury prevention
The balancing act of slackline walking helps strengthen the stabilising muscles around your joints. This can improve joint stability and reduce the risk of injuries, particularly in the ankles and knees. The low-impact nature of slackline walking also makes it a joint-friendly exercise that is suitable for people of all fitness levels.
6. Social and outdoor activity
Slackline walking is often done outdoors in parks or open spaces, providing an opportunity to enjoy fresh air and nature. It can also be a social activity, as you can practice with friends or join a slacklining community. This social interaction can enhance your motivation and make the exercise more enjoyable.
(With inputs from Shivani Bajwa, Functional Medicine Expert and Founder of Yogasutra)
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