How to Make a Gymnastics Balance Beam

A practice beam just needs to be wide and soft enough for the gymnast's feet.

Buying a balance beam from an equipment company can be very expensive. If you know how to use power and hand tools, you can make a small beam at home that a young gymnast can use for practice. Unlike the real thing, the beam sits just 4 inches above the ground. The beam can be put together in a few hours.

Things You'll Need

• 4-by-4-by-8 piece of pine wood
• 4-by-4 pine wood
• Hand saw or power saw
• Nails
• Hammer
• Staple gun
• Suede fabric

Instructions

1. Cut four 90-degree triangle-shaped pieces out of the 4 by 4 piece of lumber.

2. Wrap the fabric around the 4-by-4-by 8 piece of lumber. Cut off any excess. Pull the fabric tight around the bottom side of the lumber and staple the edges to the wood. Fold the fabric around the end corners in the same way you would fold gift wrap, then staple the fabric to the wood.

3. Nail the supports on each end of the beam. The top of the supports must not come up higher than the top of the beam.

Tips & Warnings

• Set the beam up over padding or a soft area in case the gymnast falls. The beam must be in an open area so the gymnast can fall without hitting an object.

• Consult a physician before beginning a new exercise regiment.

References

• Women's Gymnastics Info