An Olympic gymnast may flip, pirouette and leap across the narrow balance beam as if she was walking on air, but in reality, she is balancing on only a 4-inch wide space. One wrong step could mean a severe injury from the fall. Before a gymnast perfects her gold-winning routine, she learns each skill on a much smaller beam. The measurements of balance beam vary depending on the type of balance beam used.
Regulation Beams
A regulation-size balance beam used in competition for elite and junior elite gymnasts stands approximately 4 feet tall, or exactly 125 centimeters. The gymnast only has 4 inches, or 10 centimeters, of space for feet on the width of the beam. The gymnast must travel the full length of the beam, which is approximately 16.5 feet, or 500 centimeters.
Practice Beams
When learning new skills or just beginning in gymnastics, the gymnast may practice on a low beam with a height of 1 or 2 feet. The low height allows the gymnast to try out a new skill safely. This way, if she falls off the beam, she is less likely to hurt herself. The low beam is often shorter than a regulation beam, about half a competition-size beam, at 8 feet long. The beam is still only 4 inches wide.
Materials
Manufactures must make competition-size balance beams to the stands of gymnastics organizations, including the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique, USA Gymnastics and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. The manufacturer covers the wooden beam in suede of leather to prevent falls. Some practice beams, especially ones designed for very young girls, use softer materials, such as carpet or mat, for extra cushion and safety.
Additional Equipment
Tumbling mats always surround the balance beam. The gymnast dismounts onto the mat at the end of her balance beam routine. If she slips from the beam, the mats around the balance beam help break her fall. The gymnast may also use a springboard to mount the beam. She may chalk her hands for better grip in competition. During practice, she may wear balance beam shoes with rubber soles that help prevent slips from the apparatus.
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