COLUMN: Athlete or not, spring provides unique workout opportunities
This weekend I attempted to slackline for the first time. I had heard about it and seen people do it before, but I had never actually stepped up onto the line until last Friday. I was outside playing catch with some friends, enjoying the sunny spring weather and letting the UV soak in a little, when we saw some other guys in the park setting up their slackline. Curiosity got the best of us.
We went over and they let us attempt it after we kicked off our shoes and socks.The thing about slacklining is that it looks pretty hard, but those who do it still seem to be able to make it look much easier than it actually is. Getting up onto the line requires pushing down with one hand and getting one foot on it with the line running between the first two toes. While balancing on that single foot, you then have to lift yourself up to get your other one on the line. It took me a few tries and a friend’s shoulder in order to get both feet steady.
As soon as I let go of my friend Pete’s shoulder, the line started to wobble. I couldn’t take any steps initially, but one of the other guys there sat on the other end of the line to steady it a little. As I tried to take my first step, I did it as fast as I could because I thought it might be easier to stabilize the line with two feet rather than one.
Apparently that doesn’t make it any easier, because as soon as I got the second foot on the line, it started start to wobble again. I didn’t last very long, but I was able to make a few quick steps before falling. I realized I had to be careful so the line didn’t snap back and get me in the legs.
As I was up there – trying to stay standing on the small rope stretched between the trees – I noticed briefly how much of my body was being used to keep my lanky frame balanced on such an unstable surface. I think every muscle in each of my legs was tense.
My stomach and back were flexing from side to side as the line swung beyond my control. My shoulders were also tense as they held out my arms to try and keep my balance. I had heard before of the reasons people started slacklining, apparently as a bit of a timekiller for rock climbers while they weren’t actually climbing. It is supposed to strengthen your core and help you with balance, and I can definitely see how this works.
All of this makes me think of something my younger brother taught me. My brother is 21 years old, but in a few years he will be getting close to to the prime of his life. As he thought about this, he decided he doesn’t want to be limited by anything his body can’t do, so he started hitting the gym. I am only two years older than him and personally don’t like lifting weights but I share his sentiment.
I am by no means someone considered to be an athlete, but I would consider myself capable of enjoying trying things like slacklining without too much physical limitation. I strongly believe that there is much fun to be had and a lot to learn about yourself by participating in activities that require some sort of physical competency.
We all have room for improvement, especially me, and whether you prefer going to the gym or doing yoga it really doesn’t matter. There are endless activities that you can do in order to better your physical health, fine tune your motor control and increase your body’s capabilities.
– dh.steiner26@aggiemail.usu.edu