Categories / Outdoor & adventure
Slacklining
Balancing and walking on a flat line.
How to start
Set up a low line between two trees (30 to 50 cm high), then practise standing on one foot. Use a friend for support.
How to progress
Take steps, then walk the line.
What the evidence says
Evidence: limited
We found no trials of this particular activity. It trains balance, but we found no trials.
Take care: Use tree protection and a low line. Falls onto hard ground can injure.
Sources
12-week starter plan
Short, frequent sessions.
Tick each week as you finish it; your ticks are saved on this device only. Repeat a week if it felt hard. Weeks 4, 8 and 12 hold steady so you can settle. This is a general plan, not medical advice.
Add reminders to your calendar
Pick your days and time. You will download a calendar file that adds 12 weeks of reminders to Google, Apple or Outlook calendar.
Calories and weekly minutes
Enter your details for a rough estimate. Based on about 3.3 METs (Typical effort for this activity (estimated)). Real figures vary by 20% or more between people.
Tips and common mistakes
Tips
- Keep the line low.
- Look ahead.
- Bend your knees.
Common mistakes
- Setting the line too high.
- Looking down.
- Gripping the line.
Kit and cost
Low Approximate UK prices.
- A slackline kit (about £25 to £60)
- Tree protectors
- Soft ground
Frequently asked questions
Is it hard?
It takes practice.
Is it good for balance?
It trains balance, but we found no trials.
Where can I set it up?
Between two sturdy trees.
Good for: Balance Skill
Compare with similar options
| Slacklining | Horse Riding | Disc Golf | Skateboarding | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Typical session | 20 min × 2/wk | 60 min × 1/wk | 90 min × 1/wk | 60 min × 3/wk |
| Effort | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●○○○ | ●●●○○ |
| Cost | Low cost | High cost | Free | Low cost |
| Equipment | Basic kit | Specialist kit | Basic kit | Some equipment |
| Impact | Low impact | Low impact | Low impact | Medium impact |
| Fitness needed | Any level | Any level | Any level | Some fitness |
| Evidence | limited | limited | limited | limited |