Build Your Own Gymnastics Balance Beam

There are quite a few procedures to make a gymnastics equilibrium beam for property use. They can operate the gamut from the most essential wood beam to one particular coated with carpet. Or you can make a extra elaborate balance beam padded and wrapped in artificial suede. On the other hand you decide, this job just isn’t too tough and can conserve you revenue. Most supplies you want can be uncovered at a area property advancement shop.

1st a minimal history. All aggressive gymnasts are demanded to conduct on the balance beam equipment. Beams employed in international gymnastics competitions need to conform to the rigid tips and requirements set forth by the Worldwide Gymnastics Federation Equipment Norms. Originally, the balance beam surface was polished wood. Since the 1980s, beams have been coated in synthetic suede. Modern competitiveness beams are also sprung to accommodate the worry of superior-problems tumbling and dance techniques. This is why gymnasts who are competing can be quite specific about the equipment they use at the gymnasium vs the equipment you may possibly make at home. Hence, it is often a good idea to think about the amount of the gymnast when selecting to start out this undertaking

The regulation size for a competition stability beam is 16 ft 5 inches. Many property owners can not accommodate an apparatus of this dimension in the household, thus come to a decision to make a shorter a person. Numerous dwelling-produced balance beams assortment from 8 to 12 toes in duration, nonetheless, all are a normal 4 inches in width. The top of the beam will rely on where it is made use of. We do not advise employing balance beams outdoors as it can be tough to get a stable surface to avoid wobbling. Your equipment need to normally be made use of on a flat surface area.

For rookies age 3-6 a simple picket beam will provide a excellent introduction to the activity. As the gymnast receives older this same apparatus can be wrapped in carpet to supply a bit of padding or you can pick out to wrap it in synthetic suede to give it the real looking glimpse and come to feel of a standard equilibrium beam.

Products

(6) 1 x 6 lumber 8 ft. lengthy (or any sought after duration)

(2) 2 x 4 lumber 20″ prolonged for the legs

Wood Glue (this sort of as Elmer’s Carpenters wood Glue)

3M Spray Adhesive

3″ wood screws

Wooden Stain

Industrial Carpet

Suede Topper for carpet beam (choice for carpet beam)

4 inch adhesive loop strip (alternative for padding)

Synthetic Suede Fabric (include choice)

Iron leg brace choice

C Clamps

Sandpaper

Phase 1

Glue the six 8-foot parts of 1-by-6 inch pine lumber alongside one another so that their sides are completely speaking to one particular an additional. This will make a block of wood that is 8 feet very long with a aspect of about 4.5 inches.

Glue liberally concerning the boards and use clamps to make guaranteed that the glue fastens by itself to the wooden. Allow dry right away. Employing a Belt Sander go in excess of overall beam and sand to smooth finish. If staining your beam you can use finer quality sandpaper with an Orbital Sander to make a easy end. If masking the beam with carpet or Suede this action may perhaps be omitted.

Stage 2

For a stained wood beam. After sanding to clean finish, use stain to your beam.

To make a carpet coated beam you will use hefty-obligation staples and wrap the beam with the carpet. Start by stapling carpet to bottom facet of the stability beam and tightly wrap carpet close to beam and staple underside of beam only. You might also use spray adhesive to even more safe the carpet to the beam.

For a artificial suede covered beam you will want to pad the beam initially employing a neoprene strip. It can be difficult to discover 4 inch large neoprene which is utilised on professional beams hence many property-built beams use yoga mats to pad the beam. You do not want the beam to be too gentle so minimal padding is required. Do not staple padding. Use glue only as staples will cause dimples. You can also use 4 inch vast adhesive peel and stick loop to produce padding as effectively. Keep on attaching the suede to the beam by implementing spray adhesive to the top rated and sides of the harmony beam. Doing work from the bottom of the beam, staple the Suede along the bottom. This is a 2 man or woman challenge as a person desires to tightly pull the Suede all over the beam evenly although it is becoming secured with the adhesive. Make guaranteed your harmony beam is entirely dry ahead of use.

Step 3

For a standard beam you will screw the (2) 20 inch 2 x 4 wood braces to every end. Spot each brace at a 90 degree angle to the beam 12 inches from each stop.

Alternatively, you can invest in iron produced balance beam braces you only screw into the bottom of your beam. These braces appear in a wide variety of heights and can even make your beam adjustable. It is probable to change your fundamental beam to metallic braces later on. Just one edge to metallic braces is they are tall enough to let a mat to slide less than the harmony beam whilst the gymnast is working with it.

Warning

Use dwelling-manufactured stability beams at your possess discretion. As your beam is not a professionally built piece of equipment it is only as sturdy as your craftsmanship. Use with supervision as gymnastics is a activity with inherent possibility of achievable injuries.