When choosing a practice balance beam, consider who will use it, what it will be used for, and where it will be used. The gymnast’s age, size, and ability should determine which balance beam to choose. The length, width, and coating of the beam should also be considered.
When choosing your best practice balance beam, you should consider who will use it, what it will be used for, and where it will be used. There are many types of balance beams that come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and coatings. The gymnast’s age, size, and ability should determine which balance beam to choose. A practice balance beam used to learn a new trick would be different from one used to master a gymnastic balance beam routine. Finally, you need to consider whether the practice balance beam will be outdoors, in a gym, or for home use.
Kids, gymnasts, and adults need different practice balance beams, so your choice will depend on who will be using it. In general, a children’s balance beam is lower, shorter, wider, and smoother than an adult balance beam. An intermediate or advanced gymnast would want to learn new tricks on a beginner balance beam. As the gymnast improves, he or she will progressively master the trick on an intermediate practice beam before attempting it on the high beam. A small, short balance beam can be used by an adult in physical therapy to improve balance along with other balance equipment, such as a balance disc.
If you want a practice balance beam for training purposes, it will likely be much shorter than a professional balance beam. The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) sets the standards for all gymnastics equipment and has defined the height of a balance beam to be approximately 4.1 feet (exactly 1.25 m). When starting out, a beginner can use a practice balance beam that rests on the floor. As the gymnast’s skill improves, he or she may use a practice beam that has short legs that raise the beam a few inches (a few centimeters) or a few feet (a meter) off the ground. Some practice balance beams are height adjustable, so you may choose an adjustable beam if the gymnast is just starting out but is likely to progress.
Newcomers to the balance beam may want to start with a wider beam, so you may need to consider various widths. Standard balance beams are about 4 inches (10 cm) wide and rectangular in shape. Wooden balance beams can be made as wide as needed. A high-density foam balance beam is ideal for learning because it is trapezoidal in shape, with a base that is wider than the top. Sprung beams, with springs inside, are only the standard width.
The length of your practice balance beam should match the space you have available for gym equipment. A balance beam gym would have the space needed for a full 16 ft (5 m) long practice beam. A playground balance beam might not be a straight beam but a zig-zag or other shape, with an indefinite length.
The cover of a practice balance beam determines its slipperiness. A carpeted balance beam is the least slippery and provides a small cushion in case of falls. The foam balance beams are covered with vinyl, which can be slippery if your feet and hands are sweaty, but they provide the softest landing. A competitive gymnast would want to get used to a suede balance beam. Exterior balance beams must withstand the elements and are typically made of bare wood, metal, or plastic.
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