A Gymnastics Bar at Home (is it worth it?)

Gymnastics Bars / By

Training with a gymnastics bar at home is a popular way for many gymnasts to stay active whilst not at practice. However, a gymnastics bar can be expensive and there are multiple factors to consider before making a purchase.

In this guide, we will explore everything about having a gymnastics bar at home and help you decide if it’s worth it for your aspiring gymnast.

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Table of Contents

Benefits of a Gymnastics Bar at Home

A Gymnastics bar used for home practice is typically smaller than those found in gym facilities or at competitions, however, they can still provide a number of key benefits that help gymnasts improve their skills and have fun at the same time.

Develop Upper Body Strength

Gymnastics bars provide an excellent way to develop upper body strength by performing exercises such as pull-ups, chin-ups, and pullovers. These fairly basic exercises target the muscles in the gymnast’s arms, shoulders and core and can help you build muscle mass and increase overall strength.

The uneven bars are widely considered the toughest event in Women’s gymnastics because of the upper body strength needed to perform advanced skills.

Increase Flexibility

Using a gymnastics bar at home can also help improve flexibility by allowing the gymnast to perform stretches and movements that target different muscle groups. For example, a German Hang improves shoulder flexibility and is performed by the gymnast hanging and lifting the legs over the head and lowering them behind the body.

It is more effective than many other types of traditional shoulder stretching techniques.

By incorporating gymnastics bars into your flexibility routine, you can improve your range of motion and reduce the risk of injury.

Enhance Coordination

Gymnastics bars require a great deal of coordination to perform exercises effectively. By using a gymnastics bar at home, you can improve your coordination, which can be useful in other areas of your life, such as sports, dance, and even everyday activities.

Convenient and Accessible

Having gymnastics bars at home can be a convenient way to train, as you don’t need to travel to a gym or other training facility to use them. They are also accessible at any time of the day, allowing gymnasts to fit in practice sessions before school, after school at the weekends or even in the middle of the night!

Cost-effective

Investing in gymnastic bars at home can be a cost-effective way to further improve skills in the long run. Many gym facilities charge several hundred dollars for additional private coaching on top of regular sessions and whilst professional coaching will provide better results than being self-taught it’s not always affordable.

Types of Gymnastics Bar at Home

In gymnastics, there are multiple events that use bars; in Women’s Artistic Uneven Bars are used whereas Horizontal bars and Parallel Bars are used in Men’s Artistic gymnastics.

The most popular type of gymnastics bar at home is a single horizontal bar which closely replicates the height of the lower uneven bar used by female gymnasts.

Horizontal Bars

Horizontal bars, also known as high bars, are typically used in men’s gymnastics and are the most common type of gymnastics bar used for home use. They are often adjustable in height, making them suitable for users of all ages and abilities.

In Men’s competitive gymnastics, the horizontal bar is shiny and metal but the version used by male and female gymnasts at home is often wooden or fiberglass.

Parallel Bars

Parallel bars are used in men’s gymnastics and are a great way to develop upper body strength and enhance coordination and balance. They consist of two parallel bars that are adjustable in height and are suitable for users of all ages and abilities.

Parallel bars

It is unusual to find parallel bars being used at home because gymnasts will start to need a lot of space and matting and parallel bar skills become tricky very early. Some people will also point out that gymnastics is practiced by girls more than boys and because the Parallel bars is a Men’s event, there is less demand for home versions to be sold.

Uneven Bars

Uneven bars are used exclusively in women’s gymnastics and consist of two bars that are not level. Originally, the Uneven Bars were a set of Parallel bars with the two bars set at different heights but as gymnastics has evolved, Uneven bars have become larger and capable of withstanding larger forces.

Uneven Bars

They require a great deal of skill and strength to use effectively and are typically not recommended for home use unless you are an experienced gymnast.

Because Uneven bars are also large they are difficult to practice safely at home. Skills that require a gymnast to release between bars need a full-size version to be performed properly.

By using a single horizontal bar at home gymnasts can practice the same basic skills that would then be used on a full-size bar in the gym.

From my experience, I recommend any of the following brands for home use:

There are many versions of gymnastics bars on Amazon. Whilst I haven’t tried or tested all of them, it is worth checking out the usual reviews combined with the advice given in this article.

I have also reviewed my best 6 gymnastics bars in another article. Be sure to check it out if you are ready to buy a bar for home use.

Considerations Before Purchasing Gymnastics Bars

Gymnastics bars for home can cost anywhere between $100 to over $1000 so it is important to consider the factors below if you are thinking about buying a set of bars.

Available Space

Before purchasing gymnastics bars for home use, it’s essential to consider the amount of space available in your home. Gymnastics bars require a significant amount of space to set up, so it’s essential to ensure that you have enough space in your home to accommodate them. It’s also important to consider the height of your ceiling, as gymnastics bars typically require a minimum ceiling height of 8-10 feet.

Budget

Gymnastics bars can be expensive, so it’s important to consider your budget before making a purchase. It’s essential to invest in high-quality bars that are safe and durable, but this may come with a higher price tag. It’s also important to factor in the cost of installation of mats.

Safety

Safety should be a top priority when using gymnastics bars at home. It’s important to purchase bars that are designed for home use and have safety features such as non-slip grips and sturdy construction. It’s also essential to ensure that the bars are put together correctly (they will arrive flat-packed) and securely to prevent accidents or injuries.

Setting Up Gymnastics Bars at Home

Gymnastics on bars carries a level of risk even at the best of times. Setting up your bars correctly will help your gymnast make the most of them and stay as safe as possible.

Location and Environment

When setting up gymnastics bars at home, it’s important to choose a suitable location and environment. The area should be spacious and well-ventilated, with plenty of clearance around the bars to prevent injuries. It’s also essential to choose a location with a suitable flooring surface, such as a gymnastics mat or padded flooring, to prevent injuries from falls.

Installation and Maintenance

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for ensuring the safety and longevity of your gymnastics bars. It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for installation and regularly inspect the bars for any signs of wear and tear. It’s also essential to keep the bars clean and free of debris to prevent slipping or accidents.

Wooden bars in particular can chip or splint after multiple uses. If this happens, it’s a good idea to sand them down in order to prevent injuries.

Fiberglass or metal bars tend to be easier to maintain than wooden bars.

Alternatives to Gymnastics Bars for Home Use

Although I recommend that gymnastics bars for home are a good investment, a set of bars may not be possible for you at this time. Don’t worry as there are still alternatives for gymnasts looking to improve their strength at home.

Resistance Bands

Resistance bands are a versatile and affordable alternative to gymnastics bars for home use. They can be used for a variety of exercises that target the upper body and can help improve strength, flexibility, and balance.

Suspension Trainers

Suspension trainers, such as TRX, are another alternative to gymnastics bars that can be used for a variety of exercises. They use your body weight as resistance and are great for developing upper body strength, enhancing coordination and balance, and improving flexibility.

Bodyweight Exercises

Bodyweight exercises, such as push-ups, dips, and planks, can also be effective for developing upper body strength and enhancing coordination and balance. They require no equipment and can be done anywhere, making them a convenient and accessible option for home workouts.

Conclusion

In conclusion, having a gymnastic bar at home will be a valuable investment for those looking to develop upper body strength, increase flexibility, enhance coordination and refine their skills.

If you are expecting a gymnast to get to a high level in the sport, professional coaching in a recognized facility is essential as even the best gymnastics bars at home will not replicate a gym environment. But they will help a bit!

FAQs

Are gymnastics bars suitable for beginners?

Yes, gymnastics bars can be suitable for beginners, as long as they choose appropriate exercises and use the bars safely.

How much space do I need for gymnastics bars at home?

Gymnastics bars require a significant amount of space, so it’s essential to have a large enough area to set them up safely. An average size bar will require at least 6 feet by 6 feet in floor space. A minimum ceiling height of 8-10 feet is also recommended.

Are gymnastics bars easy to set up and maintain?

If you have a basic level of DIY then setting up gymnastics bars at home will be straightforward. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Most sets of bars will need either a spanner, fallen key or something similar.

How much does a gymnastics bar cost?

A cheap gymnastics bar will cost around $80 to $100 whereas a premium quality gymnastics bar for home use will cost between $700 to $1,500.

What are the two bars in gymnastics called?

The uneven bars in gymnastics are two bars set at different heights and are competed by female gymnasts. Male gymnasts use two parallel bars to compete.