TruFit http://www.gettrufit.com

Slacklining is a rapidly growing sport where you balance, walk and perform tricks on a secure but unstable line.

Slacklining is a part of the climbing history in Yosemite Valley and during the 70′s it was common to see people balancing on tight ropes between the towering trees.  The natural enhancement carried over nicely into climbing and other activities and slowly Slacklining began to grow into what it is today.

Today Slacklining is similar to where Skateboards and Snowboards were 25 years ago.  Only a couple people did it and they were pretty cool.  Everybody else thought it was too hard and impossible for them so they didn’t even try.  Over time the discipline and legitimacy built and soon you had new sports that dominated a young generation and expanded to measures that were once thought “impossible”.

Slacklining is tough.  We won’t lie to you there.  You will not get it your first time so don’t bet someone that you will.  Your body is designed as a communication system and only through practice will your muscles and joints figure out how to stabilize this motion.   Generally after 2 weeks of occasional practice you will be able to walk the line and be comfortable balancing.

So why is Slacklining becoming so popular?

Two words.  Enjoyment and Reward.  The first time you step on a Slackline you instantly understand the challenge ahead.  As you practice it seems that the very next step could be success and it is this positive drive that motivates so many people into developing the skill.  After you are rewarded with your new ability it will start to seem as if the sky is the limit, even though in Highlining, it isn’t.

Practice patience and you will succeed.  It won’t be long until you are taking out your friends and setting up lines all around.  Once comfortable and experienced you can start to practice performing line tricks and walking longer lines.  Most tricks start off looking similar to yoga poses and eventually can evolve into back flips and butt bouncing.  Line lengths should start around 15-20 feet while being at least high enough so that you don’t slack down into the ground when in the middle.

Long lines are anything over about 60 feet and highlines range from 80-2000 feet up with expert rigging and experience required.  Do not attempt to establish any new highlines or attempt higher lines where you can die unless you are a pro and understand the real consequences.  The same goes for tricklining.  Always ensure you have a soft landing zone, preferable a crash pad or mattress, around your fall zone.  Remember that a Slackline is tight and can throw you off during tricks so avoid practicing next to hard objects or over hard surfaces.  To learn some of the coolest tricks in Slacklining click here.

So what about fitness and Slacklines?

Slacklining training is adapting and growing like never before.  Part of the reason for this is the fitness benefits you receive from a workout on a Slackline.  The most obvious improvements will be in your body’s balance, core strength and lower body joint stability.  Further your mental calmness and awareness is heightened and carries over into any activity that requires you to be “in the zone”. The joint benefits for the hip and knees will help to improve lower body strength and stability throughout movement and when practicing body weight exercises like Pushups and Rows the unique rebound effect adds a new dimension to resistance training.  The ground doesn’t drop and wobble during a traditional pushup but with the Slackline it does.  This is called the rebound effect or rebound resistance and is exclusive to exercises performed on a Slackline.  These exercises challenge your upper body’s stability and improve muscle control to help you perform better no matter what you do.  From climbing and surfing to playing tag with the kids, Slackline training is sure to get you stable and moving in the right direction.

Every exercise is core based when it comes to Slackline Training.  Your abdominal muscles must team up with your hips and shoulders to produce a stable body that can self regulate its own fall.  Oh by the way did we mention Slacklining requires a lot of falls.  Generally your abs and body will figure things out but in the beginning expect to go down.  The best advice is to keep your arms overhead and engage the team of muscles while you focus on a non-moving visual point down the line.  You will notice this core enhancement quickly and will soon rely on your own muscles to provide the balance needed.  Resistance exercises share this core recruitment although sometimes your challenge is in a different position.

In conclusion we have found Slackline training to be the perfect complement to your active lifestyle.  Whether you want to walk the line, perform body weight training or develop a fun new skill, Slacklines and Slackline Training is the thing for you.  We want you get yourself a Slackline, tell your friends about it and try it out this exciting new way of life.  Stick with it and let us know if you have any questions or want to tell us about a sweet line you’ve sent.

It’s good to be a Slacker!