Parallel bars

Parallel bars are floor apparatus consisting of two wooden bars slightly over 3.4 metres (11 ft) long and positioned at roughly head height. 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.

Not to be confused with Uneven parallel bars.

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[edit]

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 in Germany Hermann Otto Kluge used tubes to make the parallel bars and the horizontal bar adjustable. He used them in his gym. In Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, published between 1873–1877, their use for exercise is mentioned.

I. Elements in support or through support

II. Elements starting in upper arm position

III. Long swings in hang, on 1 or 2 bars and Underswings

IV. Dismounts

Parallettes