Parallel bars

A gymnast performs on the parallel bars
A handstand
Not to be confused with Uneven bars.

Parallel bars are floor apparatus consisting of two wooden bars approximately 350cm (11'6") long and positioned at 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) above the floor. Parallel bars are used in artistic gymnastics and also for physical therapy and home exercise.[1] Gymnasts may optionally wear grips when performing a routine on the parallel bars, although this is uncommon.

Apparatus

The apparatus consists of two parallel bars that are held parallel to, and elevated above, the floor by a metal supporting framework. The bars are composed of wood or other material, with an outer wood coating.[2] The vertical members of the supporting framework are adjustable so the height of the bars above the floor and distance between the bars can be set optimally for each gymnast.[3]

Dimensions

  • Bar length: 350 centimetres (11.5 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[3]
  • Bar rounded profile: 5 cm (1+31⁄32 in) ± 1 millimetre (0.039 in) vertical by 4 centimetres (1.6 in) ± 1 millimetre (0.039 in) horizontal [3]
  • Bar width: 4 centimetres (1.6 in) ± 1 millimetre (0.039 in)[3]
  • Height of bar from floor: 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) ± 1 centimetre (0.39 in)[3]
  • Distance between bars: 42 centimetres (17 in) – 52 centimetres (20 in) (adjustable)[3]

History

The parallel bars (in German Barren) were invented by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn in Berlin.[4] In 1819 the first transportable parallel bars were described. In 1856, Hermann Otto Kluge used tubes to adjust the parallel and horizontal bars in Germany. He used them in his gym. In Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, published between 1873 and 1877, their use for exercise is mentioned.

Routines

A routine performed on the parallel bars must include various elements that depend on the gymnast's competitive level. A typical performance will involve swinging skills in a support position (on the hands), a hanging position, and an upper arm position (resting on the inner bicep). Also, parallel bar routines often feature a strength or static hold skill such as an L-sit or handstand. Each routine ends with a dismount from either the bars' ends or the apparatus's side.

International level routines

A parallel bar routine should contain at least one element from all element groups:[5]

  • I. Elements in support or through support
  • II. Elements starting in the upper arm position
  • III. Long swings in hang, on 1 or 2 bars, and Underswings
  • IV. Dismounts

Scoring and rules

Deductions are taken for lack of form and precision of elements performed. There are specific deductions for adjusting the hand position in the handstand and not controlling swing elements;[6] swing type elements should momentarily show handstand.[5]

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Parallel bars.

References

  1. ^ Potts, Jennifer (March 21, 2011). "Parallel Bar Exercises For Physical Therapy". Mademan.
  2. ^ "Apparatus Norms" (PDF). FIG. p. II/27. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-07. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  3. ^ a b c d e f "Apparatus Norms" (PDF). FIG. p. II/28. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2012-09-07. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  4. ^ History of bars
  5. ^ a b "MAG Code of Points 2009-2012". FIG. p. 100. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-10-01. Retrieved 2009-10-20.
  6. ^ "MAG Code of Points 2009-2012". FIG. p. 101. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2009-10-01. Retrieved 2009-10-20.