Slacklining: New trend among young Chennaiites

The art of a person balancing themselves along a suspended length of flat webbing that is tied between two anchors, slacklining is an easy fun game, that is also a fitness routine for those looking to burn some carbs while having a good time. The millennial trend is leading to a slacklining community in the city. It is building slowly with workshops and quick sessions being hosted all around the town. 

The 22-year-old Eashwar Mathur is one of the first in the city to actively promote the trend after he picked up slacklining at the Covelong Fest a year ago. “Balancing is addictive – that’s what I learnt. In slacklining, the line slacks in every direction, and it is easy to pick up. It might take a week to properly master it, but there are people balancing happily on the first attempt itself. It really works the core, calf and shoulders and there’s no pain felt at all during the attempt. It’s only after the session one will feel that he/she has actually exercised,” said the youngster. 

He reiterates that people with all body shapes can give it a shot. “There are different kinds of lines you can try, depending on length, tension, material, etc. Some are basic, others provide a bounce and so on. People can buy it online, but I recommend going to a workshop first and getting the hang of it,” added Eashwar, who is an entrepreneur and is now planning to start a slacklining club along with a friend in Chennai. 

Shruti Ram, a student in town, also experienced the thrill of slacklining when she visited Sri Lanka. “I immediately bought a 2-inch slackline and positioned it between two poles in my backyard. It has been such a hit whenever friends came home. I have stopped going to the gym as I get a quick morning and evening workout done at home itself.”