The balance beam is an event in women's gymnastics. Women perform amazing leaps, acrobatics, spins, dance moves and somersaults on a small, long board several feet above the floor. Proper balance beams have specific dimensions set forth by the International Gymnastics Federation, which was created in 1881. Beams used for practice have different dimensions.
History
In the 18th century, Johan Christoph GutsMuths included an entire chapter about the balance beam in his book "Gymnastics for Youth." The beam was a tree trunk about 64 feet long. Over the next century, the balance beam became a standard gymnastics tool for women. Men's gymnastics has been part of the Olympic Games since 1896, but women didn't participate until 1928 and the only event was tumbling. It wasn't until 1952 that the women's gymnastics program was developed that included the balance beam event.
Dimensions
The balance beam first made its appearance as an official event at the World Championships in 1934. At this time, the bar was 8 cm wide. As gymnasts began performing more acrobatic-style routines, a larger foothold was required and the beam was expanded to 10 cm. An official balance beam is 5 m long, 10 cm wide and 1.25 m tall.
Practice Beams
Practice beams do not have to meet the mentioned specifications. Many practice beams are the same length and width of a standard beam, but are closer to the floor. Balance beams are typically covered in leather or suede, but practice beams are sometimes carpeted for easier gripping. Mini-beams, also used in practice sessions, are shorter in length and height than an official beam.
Other Aspects of Balance Beam
Two legs, one on each end, support the balance beam. The base of the supports must not be wider than 125 cm. The beam is thicker in the middle than at the top, being 10 cm wide at the top, 13 cm wide across the middle and 10 cm at the bottom. The beam itself is 16 cm tall. All aspects of the beam are padded, including the supports and any screws under the beam. The FIG does not dictate a specific color for the balance beam, although it must be distinct from the color of the mats.
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