The gymnastic balance beam

Gymnastics is a sport which has seen a sudden growth in the recent times and the interests in this sport have been flaring worldwide now. For the beginners, generally a balance beam is equipment that they must be familiar with as it is the heart of most of the gymnastic moves.

Most of the gymnasts make artistic use of the most versatile gymnastic equipment, which is the balance beam. It is not uncommon to refer to it simply as a beam. Typically, it is narrow and long and is raised from the floor by supporting it on two legs or a stand. Although this beam is basic equipment on which acts are performed but it can be made use of by only a female gymnast and male gymnast cannot make use of it.

For use in international gymnastic competitions it is required that they comply with the already laid out standards which are set by the International Gymnastics Federation in the Apparatus Norms brochure. Although it is recommended that all sorts of practice be carried out on balance beams that conform to these standards but it is not an uncommon practice to make use of beams that have carpeted surfaces in order to minimize the chances of injury. Also, there distance from the ground is decreased so that the chances of injury are minimized for the beginners till the time they have not gained significant confidence and skill.

When the balance beams were first introduced for the purpose of gymnastics, the surface of the beam balance was kept as a wooden one. But eventually, this kind of a balance beam was abandoned due to their extreme slippery nature. Nowadays, another modification has been introduced in the basic design by covering it in leather or suede. Also, the latest design makes a provision for a sprung design in order to make room for the stresses of extremely tough tumbling and ardent dancing skills.

When the concept of balance beam found its origin, it was made use of in dancing rather than in tumbling. The level of difficulty was very basic and not very tough. But things began to change eventually as advanced tumbling combinations were added to the gymnastic routines. Also, aerial skills were craftily incorporated into the entire picture of gymnastics. This change also became possible since the surface of the beam had now been modified from a wooden floor to a pseudo covered one. Now the progression had been made to an extremely tough level wherein the gymnasts perform a mixture of dance elements, acrobatic skills and also some very sharp leaps and poses. The mounting on the beam is done by a mat or a springboard. This routine must be completed in less than 90 seconds. It is up to the gymnast to either use special beam shoes or to do all the tasks barefooted. The scoring is done on the basis of the finesse and level of perfection, the amount of control and technique.

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