Balance Beams: 5 Fast Facts

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Fact #1. Balance beams have evolved significantly since their creation. Over 250 years ago, a German physical education teacher made one of the first. It was simply a rounded pine tree trunk than ran about 64 feet in length. The teacher wrote an entire chapter about it in his book, which circulated through physical education programs at the time, offering fun exercises for children.
Fact #2. People didn't start using beams in competitions until 1921. It remained very long until the 1950s, when it was finally reduced. In 1966, a gymnast became the first woman to perform a back handspring on one at the World Championships. In 1968, a woman performed the first front handspring on the tool.
Fact #3. There are specific balance beams suited for each level. Beginner gymnasts will mostly focus on strength and flexibility. They won't even consider performance-style tricks until much later. At this stage, it's simply important that they become comfortable with the beam. So, for beginners, you want one that's low to the ground. Around 2 inches high is ideal. It familiarizes a child with the feel.
Fact #4. When your kid is ready to move to intermediate exercises, you can upgrade them to a beam with a wood core and suede covering. This will get them more comfortable with the stiff feel of performance models. Intermediate versions will sit slightly higher off the ground than beginner ones. They'll also be longer.
Fact #5. If your child is already competing in front of judges, they're ready for an advanced unit. These run about 12 feet long and offer plenty of room to pull of tricks that will impress in competitions. Advanced beams will have a steel core. They need to be able to withstand the pressure gymnasts might apply to them.