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Enroll in a Class in March, Get a Free Tote Bag & More
March In-Person Classes: Enroll now and receive a free water bottle, tote, and sticker from Pacific West Gymnastics!
3 Balance Exercises to Improve Your Beam Skills
Build stronger, steadier balance to master the balance beam!
Balance beam is unlike any other event in gymnastics. The four-inch-wide surface requires more than good technique. Every step, turn, and skill requires a combination of core strength, rock-solid stability, and mental focus. Unlike vault or floor where power and speed dominate, beam is all about grace under pressure. By improving your balance, you’ll gain more confidence on the beam!
If you want to level up your beam performance, these three exercises will help you build the control, strength, and steadiness needed to nail your routines.
1. One Leg Holds
Grab a pillow and place it on the floor. Begin by standing on the pillow on one foot, placing your other foot in a passe (toe to knee) position. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Then, straighten your leg out behind you. Hold this position for 30 seconds. Finally, switch legs.
Balancing on the unstable surface forces your ankle-stabilizing muscles, calves, and core to work harder—just like they do on beam!
2. Relevé Holds
Start by standing up tall with your feet together. Bring your favorite leg an inch in front of your opposite leg. Rise onto your tippy toes into relevé, making sure to press your ankles together. Place your hands on your waist, and hold for 1 minute.
For an extra challenge, ask a parent or friend to gently press on your shoulder as a balance check, and try to recover without moving your feet.
This drill strengthens your ankle, knee, and core stabilizing muscles while training your body to recover balance quickly, a must-have skill for turns and leaps.
3. Book Balance
Place a solid, hard cover book on the ground, and place any brightly colored object about 10 feet in front of the book, which will be your spotting block. Standing on the book, keep your eyes locked on your spotting block, and test your balance. Try moving your body to the right, left, backwards and forwards, and practice finding your center from these positions without moving your feet.
This exercise mimics wobbling on the beam, and you will learn how to quickly find your balance, and practice spotting the end of the beam as a tool!
Enroll in a Class in March, Get a Free Tote Bag & More
Join our lively community of gymnasts this March and discover the joy of in-person classes! To make your experience even more special, we’re delighted to offer a complimentary tote bag bundle!
Kids Birthday Parties, Now Booking
Celebrate with action-packed fun! Party activities may include obstacle courses, relay races, trampoline bouncing, tumble-trak hopping, rope swings and age games for all ages. Our staff handles the details so you can enjoy your child’s special day, stress-free!
Learn more and check out our video
Pacific West Gymnastics Promo Products by Your Promo Pros
Pacific West Gymnastics partners with Your Promo Pros for promotional products and campaigns! Connect with your customers and achieve your marketing goals–promote your business with branded products and campaigns. Your Promo Pros will transform your brand and logo into a thoughtful gift for any occasion – company retreats, blood drives, holidays, and more.
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About Pacific West Gymnastics
Pacific West Gymnastics, with locations in Union City and Fremont, is a sporting facility that offers Preschool and Toddler Gymnastics, Boys and Girls Recreational Gymnastics, Trampoline & Tumbling, Girls Competitive Team Programs plus Seasonal & Summer Camp Programs. Request a Free Tour online.
We also do Birthday Parties!
Classes | Teams | Summer Camp & Seasonal Camps | Birthday Parties | Free Tour