Balance block
Dense foam block, roughly brick-sized, that wobbles underfoot like a slack line
A block of dense foam, roughly the size of a large brick, that gives underfoot the way a slack line does. Stand on one and the foot and ankle get something unstable to react to, without an anchor point or wall-to-wall space. The SlackBlock is the version that made the format known. Owners keep one by a kitchen counter or a desk. Short bursts while doing something else is most of the appeal.
People on record
Sorted by strength of stance
Does it: documented as part of their own routine. Recommends: explicitly advises other people to do it. Discusses: covered it substantively without clear personal adoption; this can include criticism or disagreement.
- Kelly StarrettDoes it
Doctor of physical therapy · The Ready State
Found a SlackBlock in Tim Ferriss's garage and called it a portable slack line that looks like a brick. Then he started handing them out to his athletes like candy. He stands on his during Zoom calls and while making coffee, which is how he works foot strength without setting time aside for it.
Source: The Tim Ferriss Show: Dr. Kelly Starrett, The Magic of Movement and Mobility (#664)“And, in fact, my favorite thing in balance training I discovered in your garage. … this really cool thing called a SlackBlock, and it was a portable slack line. … When I’m on Zoom calls, I am working my foot strength and balance.”
The Tim Ferriss Show: Dr. Kelly Starrett, The Magic of Movement and Mobility (#664) (opens in a new tab) · 1 Apr 2023
Aimed at the same thing
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On record from 4 of 62 tracked people: 2 do it, 2 recommend it
Gear entry · notes paraphrased from cited sources, quoted excerpts copied from the transcript they link to. Not medical advice. Not affiliated with, endorsed by, or reviewed by anyone listed. How this works.