Postural Balance

A fundamental yet often overlooked component of athletic performance is postural balance. The ability to maintain and regain equilibrium with body segment shifts should be an element of every athlete’s training regardless of experience level. In fact, many injuries result from a low balance ability (Hyysomallis, 2007).

Slacklining involves maintaining balance while crossing a 2.5-5cm webbing suspended over ground. As one progresses, gymnastic moves are attempted. Not just for the circus athlete, this fun activity may have fantastic benefits for myriad athletes. Whether it be balancing on a skate blade or rock on the side of a steep trail, controlling posture is crucial. A randomized controlled trial published this month in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health found a short term (5 day 15’/day) slackline training intervention demonstrated significant improvements in task-specific balance skills (Rutkowski et al., 2022).

Rather than the classic balance training, slacklining may challenge you a little more and add some variety to your program. Sometimes slacking may be a good thing!