Balance Beams: A Major Part of Women’s Gymnastics
Balance beams used in competition must conform to strict structural guidelines. Regulation balance beams are 5 meters long, 125 cm (about 4′5″) high, and 10 cm (4″) wide. “Low beams” have the same dimensions and surface as regulation beams, but they are set only a few inches off the ground. Gymnasts often work on them while they are learning new skills. They may also work on practice beams, mini beams, or lines on the mat. Balance beam, either the apparatus or the event, is sometimes referred to simply as “beam.” Flexibility, strength, and, above all, balance are needed to be successful. The gymnast performs a 70 to 90 second choreographed routine consisting of leaps, acrobatic skills, turns, and dance elements on sprung beam designed to accommodate the stress of high-difficulty tumbling and dance skills.
admin @ June 22, 2008
