There are a number of strategies to make a gymnastics stability beam for dwelling use. They’ll run the gamut from probably the most fundamental wood beam to 1 lined with carpet. Or you may make a extra elaborate stability beam padded and wrapped in artificial suede. Nonetheless you determine, this challenge is not too troublesome and might prevent cash. Most provides you want will be discovered at an area dwelling enchancment retailer.
First a bit of background. All aggressive gymnasts are required to carry out on the stability beam equipment. Beams utilized in worldwide gymnastics competitions should conform to the strict tips and specs set forth by the Worldwide Gymnastics Federation Equipment Norms. Initially, the stability beam floor was polished wooden. Because the Eighties, beams have been lined in artificial suede. In the present day’s competitors beams are additionally sprung to accommodate the stress of high-difficulty tumbling and dance expertise. That is why gymnasts who’re competing will be very specific concerning the equipment they use on the gymnasium vs the equipment you would possibly make at dwelling. Subsequently, it’s at all times a good suggestion to think about the extent of the gymnast when deciding to begin this challenge
The regulation size for a contest stability beam is 16 ft 5 inches. Many householders cannot accommodate an equipment of this dimension within the dwelling, due to this fact determine to make a shorter one. Many home-made stability beams vary from 8 to 12 ft in size, nonetheless, all are an ordinary 4 inches in width. The peak of the beam will rely on the place it’s used. We don’t suggest utilizing stability beams open air as it may be troublesome to get a secure floor to stop wobbling. Your equipment ought to at all times be used on a flat floor.
For learners age 3-6 a fundamental wood beam will present an excellent introduction to the game. Because the gymnast will get older this identical equipment will be wrapped in carpet to offer a little bit of padding or you may select to wrap it in artificial suede to present it the sensible feel and appear of an ordinary stability beam.
MATERIALS
(6) 1 x 6 lumber 8 ft. lengthy (or any desired size)
(2) 2 x 4 lumber 20″ lengthy for the legs
Wooden Glue (resembling Elmer’s Carpenters wooden Glue)
3M Spray Adhesive
3″ wooden screws
Wooden Stain
Industrial Carpet
Suede Topper for carpet beam (possibility for carpet beam)
4 inch adhesive loop strip (possibility for padding)
Artificial Suede Material (cowl possibility)
Iron leg brace possibility
C Clamps
Sandpaper
Step 1
Glue the six 8-foot items of 1-by-6 inch pine lumber collectively in order that their sides are absolutely contacting each other. It will create a block of wooden that’s 8 ft lengthy with a aspect of about 4.5 inches.
Glue liberally between the boards and use clamps to make it possible for the glue fastens itself to the wooden. Let dry in a single day. Utilizing a Belt Sander go over complete beam and sand to clean end. If staining your beam you need to use finer grade sandpaper with an Orbital Sander to create a clean end. If overlaying the beam with carpet or Suede this step could also be omitted.
Step 2
For a stained wood beam. After sanding to clean end, apply stain to your beam.
To make a carpet lined beam you’ll use heavy-duty staples and wrap the beam with the carpet. Begin by stapling carpet to backside aspect of the stability beam and tightly wrap carpet round beam and staple underside of beam solely. You may additionally use spray adhesive to additional safe the carpet to the beam.
For an artificial suede lined beam it would be best to pad the beam first utilizing a neoprene strip. It may be troublesome to search out 4 inch large neoprene which is used on skilled beams due to this fact many home-made beams use yoga mats to pad the beam. You do not need the beam to be too gentle so minimal padding is required. Don’t staple padding. Use glue solely as staples will trigger dimples. You too can use 4 inch large adhesive peel and stick loop to create padding as effectively. Proceed attaching the suede to the beam by making use of spray adhesive to the highest and sides of the stability beam. Working from the underside of the beam, staple the Suede alongside the underside. It is a 2 individual challenge as one must tightly pull the Suede across the beam evenly whereas it’s being secured with the adhesive. Ensure your stability beam is totally dry earlier than use.
Step 3
For a fundamental beam you’ll screw the (2) 20 inch 2 x 4 wooden braces to every finish. Place every brace at a 90 diploma angle to the beam 12 inches from every finish.
Alternatively, you should purchase iron manufactured stability beam braces you merely screw into the underside of your beam. These braces are available quite a lot of heights and might even make your beam adjustable. It’s doable to transform your fundamental beam to metallic braces in a while. One benefit to metallic braces is they’re tall sufficient to permit a mat to slip underneath the stability beam whereas the gymnast is utilizing it.
Warning
Use home-made stability beams at your personal discretion. As your beam isn’t a professionally made piece of kit it is just as sturdy as your craftsmanship. Use with supervision as gymnastics is a sport with inherent danger of doable harm.
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