The balance beam is an apparatus used in women's gymnastics competitions. It is a narrow beam upon which typical gymnastics maneuvers are performed, challenging the gymnast's tumbling skills and balance. The dimensions and height of the balance beam are standardized, although wider beginner beams exist for children.
Description
The standard balance beam is made of aluminum and covered with foam and leather. It is 4 inches wide and 16 feet 3 inches long. It is placed 4 feet above the floor. Children's versions of the beam are 8 inches wide and generally lower to the ground.
History
According to Gym Media, the balance beam was recorded as a fitness device by the Germans in 1816, though its only use at the time was for balancing. It was later adopted by the Swedes, referred to as a Swedish long bench and incorporated into Swedish school exercise programs.
Adolf Spiess, called the "father of gymnastics" for his work in advancing the sport in Switzerland, promoted the inclusion of the long bench as a gymnastic apparatus, and in 1934 the balance beam, sporting only a 3 inch width, was integrated into the gymnastics world championships in Budapest, Hungary. Since then, the beam has widened to 4 inches and is a standard element of women's gymnastics competitions.
Training
Beginners to the balance beam generally train on the floor before using the beam because of the difficulty and risk of injury. An area the size of the beam is taped off on a mat, allowing the gymnast to become accustomed to the dimensions of the beam while reducing the chance of injury. The gymnast later can practice on a beam that is placed lower than standard competition requirements. The final step is to perform the routine on the beam at standard height.
Requirements
A standard routine on the balance beam requires a gymnast to perform movements that prove her mastery over the narrow apparatus. This includes jumps, turns, leaps, walking and running steps, and balancing and wave movements. The routine must be between 70 and 90 seconds long. The gymnast is judged by two panels of judges who separately determine execution and difficulty scores.
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