The balance beam is a key apparatus in women's competitive gymnastics. Walking and tumbling on this narrow wooden beam requires balance, strength, and courage. Beams must meet competition standards for matches and meets, but lower beams may be used for practice, training and perfecting new skills. Beam skills in competition depend upon the gymnast's level, but beam specifications do not change from the lowest levels to the Olympics.
Structure
The balance beam is a straight, horizontal surface, suspended across two supports. The sides of the beam are arched and the beam supports are padded to reduce the risk of injury. The beam supports must rest flat on an impact-absorbing floor; mats are added around the beam in case of falls. The front parts of the beam are padded, but the padding cannot lengthen the beam itself. The surface of the beam should allow the gymnast to step and glide smoothly, but should not be slippery or irritating to the skin.
Length
The beam must be 500 cm -- or 15.5 feet -- long, according to the Federation Internationale de Gymnastique. This length allows for complex steps, leaps, turns and tumbling passes during the 90-second beam routine in competition. Practice beams are the same length as competition beams. Mats under the length of the beam extend 7.5 feet from each end. No other apparatus may be placed within this space.
Height
In competition, beams are 125 cm from the floor, measured from the floor to the top of the beam. USA Gymnastics guidelines state that Junior Olympic competitions use an adjustable beam. The height can be adjusted from 100 cm to 125 cm. Most gyms use beams at various heights for practice and training, ranging from floor level to competition height.
Width
Balance beams are 4 inches -- 10-cm -- wide. FIG guidelines allow a variance of 1/2 cm. All balance beams, including low beams for practice, are designed with this width requirement in mind. A 15-foot-wide area under the beam is matted to protect the gymnast from injury.
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