The Best Balance Beams for Your Little Gymnast

Has your little one fallen in love with gymnastics? Aside from being a supremely enjoyable sport, it's also a great way for your kid to improve their balance and coordination. If you've got a budding gymnast in your home, make them squeal with delight by bringing home a balance beam they can practice moves on. But you don't want your child to practice on a balance beam that's unsafe, right? Of course not – their safety is your top priority. With that in mind, we evaluated several options to help you find the best. The beams below are both safe and stable. Any of these will help your gymnast practice and improve their beam routine safely and confidently.

Springee 9ft Balance Beam

Balance is the Key to Life

This balance beam is regulation-width and features a solid core that won't slip out from underneath your little one's feet, so she can practice her moves until they're perfect.
Best Overall

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Bring the fun of gymnastics home with this 9-foot long balance beam. It sits on the floor instead of being raised so that your child can safely use it inside. The bottom is covered in non-slip gripper dots, so if you place it on mats, wooden floors, tile, or carpet, the beam won’t slide around as your child practices.

This beam is 4 inches wide, which is regulation width. It’s made from EPE foam, a material that feels firm underfoot for users who weigh up to 160 pounds. Because of the similarities in size and construction, your little gymnast will be able to transfer their skills from this beam to the one at the gym with confidence.

Pros

  • Folds easily for storage
  • Sits on the ground, so your child is less likely to get injured if they fall
  • Non-slip texture on the bottom to keep the beam from moving while its in use

Cons

  • You can’t attach risers, so as your child’s skill level improves, you may want to invest in a higher balance beam

FC FunCheer 8FT Folding Gymnastic Beam

Easy to Move

You won't have any trouble setting up this lightweight balance beam in your home.
Best Lightweight

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If your child loves all things colorful, they will adore the cute design options on this lightweight balance beam. There are several fun colors available, along with a magic star pattern. Some colorways come in a faux suede material that’s very comfortable under your child’s hands and feet. The rest are covered in PVC leather, a material that is soft and easy to clean. No matter which option you go with, your balance beam will come with a carrying bag so that it’s easy to store and transport.

This balance beam rests securely on the floor. There are non-slip dots on the bottom to keep it in place while your child flips and dances on top. It’s a comfortable 8 feet long and has a working width of 4 inches. Your child can really improve their routine on this cute balance beam.

Pros

  • Lightweight (about 7 pounds) so it’s easy to carry around
  • Has a carrying handle on the beam itself and comes with a carrying bag, making transporting this a breeze
  • Solid wood core covered with comfortable material that feels similar to beams your child would use in the gym
  • Great color options available

Cons

  • The screws on the hinge could become loose over time. You’ll want to check their tightness frequently to ensure they don’t fall out while your child is practicing

PreGymnastic Adjustable Balance Beam

Go High or Go Low

You can adjust the height on this balance beam so it's perfect for your child's skill level.
Best Adjustable

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Not all gymnasts are at the same level. If you’re looking for a balance beam that will adjust with your child’s skills, go for this one. It costs more than the beams that rest on the floor, but it will last your child for a long time. Once the beam arrives, you’ll need to set it up. During this time, you can decide on the height. It can adjust from 18.4 inches to 24.2 inches high. This way your child can start with it lower, and then raise it up as their confidence and skills grow.

This balance beam is similar to the ones found in the gym. It has an oval shape instead of a rectangular one. It’s also made from competition grade composite wood that’s been covered in a high-quality gym suede that’s soft to the touch. Your gymnast will use this balance beam for years.

Pros

  • Adjustable height that works for beginners and more advanced gymnasts
  • Comes with fun stickers your child can use to personalize their balance beam
  • Wheels on one end, so one person can move this beam around

Cons

  • Suede fabric is harder to clean and disinfect compared to vinyl, but it feels more like the competitive beams
  • This will take up a good chunk of space in your home, and it doesn’t fold in half for storage

Milliard Adjustable Balance Beam

Professional Finish

Your child will feel like a pro while she busts a move on this padded wooden balance beam.
Best for Serious Gymnasts

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If you’re looking for a balance beam that will take your child from beginner to advanced, you’ll want to go with this one. You can start it off in floor mode, which sits only seven inches off the ground. While at this height, your child can practice the basics and conquer their fears of the beam. When they’re ready, you can adjust this beam with the included hex key. If an even higher height is desired, you can add the extension pillars to each side and raise it up even more.

No matter what height it’s currently at, your child will have a professional-feeling beam to practice on. The solid wood core and steel support beams will hold up to loads of practicing, even if there are some hard landings. All in all, it’s a very durable balance beam that will help your gymnast improve greatly.

Pros

  • Great size: 8 feet long and regulation-width (4 inches) so your child can practice on a beam that’s similar to the competitive ones
  • Adjustable height to take your child from floor level to about 2 feet in the air as they gain confidence
  • Sturdy underfoot so your child can practice their landings while knowing that the beam won’t move underneath them
  • Professional-grade for aspiring gymnasts

Cons

  • High price point that may not be worth it if your child is only semi-interested in gymnastics

Zeny 6ft Folding Gymnastic Balance Beam Bar

Low Price, High Quality

If your child is just starting to show an interest in gymnastics, let them explore that curiosity further with this inexpensive balance beam.
Best for Beginners

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You don’t have to be an aspiring gymnast to have fun on a balance beam. If your child is just interested in trying new things, this is the perfect balance beam to start with. It’s inexpensive, so you won’t be out a lot of money if your child decides gymnastics isn’t for them.

This beam folds in half, so it won’t take up a lot of room in your house when it’s not in use. Instead of being made from wood, it’s constructed from high-quality EPE foam and covered with PVC leather. This combination is lightweight and easy to clean. This is a great gift for active kids, even if they don’t have Olympic-level aspirations.

Pros

  • Great price point for something that’ll provide hours of fun
  • Good-quality construction with foam that feels firm underfoot
  • Space-saving design that folds for storage

Cons

  • Only 6 feet long, so it’s shorter than most balance beams. If your child wants to do several cartwheels on top, you may want a longer one

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a balance beam safe for my kids?

As with any exercise equipment, there are some risks associated with the balance beam. While the products in this article are generally safer options, you will still want to provide supervision while your child practices. You can keep an eye on things and act as a spotter during flips. Before your child begins their routine, make sure they have stretched their muscles properly and have warmed up. This practice can help prevent injuries. As your child practices, never force them to try a move they’re uncomfortable with.

How do I clean a balance beam?

The cleaning method will depend on the type of material it’s made of. If your balance beam has a suede-like covering, it’ll feel soft and velvety, like fabric. To clean this, you’ll want to brush off any surface dirt. Then, you’ll want to use a nylon brush to scrub it with a mixture of dish soap and water. You don’t want the material to get saturated, so apply the solution lightly. Then, let it dry completely before your child uses it again. If your balance beam is covered in vinyl or faux leather, you can spray it lightly with a disinfectant, and then wipe it clean with a rag. Again, let it dry before you store it or use it.