If you or your child is involved with gymnastics, a balance beam can make it easier to practice at home in between visits to the gym. Even if you don’t compete or take gymnastics classes, you can improve your overall balance by using a balance beam. Balance beams can also help young children learn and practice the gross motor skills they need for sports as they get older. You might choose a floor balance beam, an adjustable balance beam, or a balance beam made for young children to help them learn how to maintain their balance in various situations.
We understand that it can be difficult to choose the perfect balance beam for your needs! In an effort to help you decide, we’ve reviewed dozens of balance beams and rated them based on various criteria, including how easy they are to use, whether they are appropriate for adults or children, and how home gymnasts and parents felt about them.
Our favorite balance beam overall is the Springee 9ft Balance Beam. It sits on the floor and is nine feet long. The bottom is covered with nonslip dots, which helps prevent sliding, and the walking surface is covered with textured vinyl. This foldable balance beam is appropriate for children and adults alike.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Balance Beams
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Balance Beam Overall | Springee 9ft Balance Beam | 4.8 |
| Best Kids' Balance Beam | Artoflifer Kids Indoor and Outdoor Balance Beam | 4.4 |
| Best Budget Balance Beam | Juperbsky Balance Beam | 4.4 |
| Best Adjustable Balance Beam | MaxKare Adjustable Balance Beam | 4.8 |
| Best Portable Balance Beam | Z-Athletic Gymnastics Roll-Up Balance Beam | 4.4 |
*Ratings are from Amazon and might change over time.
Best Balance Beam Overall: Springee 9ft Balance Beam
The Springee 9ft Balance Beam earned the top spot on our list of the best balance beams. It is a floor beam, which means you will never be more than a few inches off of the ground. It is covered in easy-to-clean textured vinyl, so slipping is not an issue. And at nine feet long, you’ll have plenty of room to practice various maneuvers.
The beam can support up to 160 lbs without compressing; it’s firmer than many other balance beams on the market in its price range. The middle core is made of extra-firm foam, and while it is shorter than a regulation beam, it is the same width, so it makes a good surface for practicing if you or your child is involved in gymnastics competitions. Weighing only about 5 lbs, this balance beam is also easy to move around the house or even to a different location for practicing away from home.
Springee 9ft Balance Beam Key Features:
- 9 feet long
- 4 inches wide
- Non-skid bottom
- Textured vinyl cover
- Can support up to 160 lbs
- Extra firm
- Weighs 5 lbs
Best Balance Beam for Kids: Artoflifer Kids Indoor and Outdoor Balance Beam
If you have children, we recommend the Artoflifer Kids Indoor and Outdoor Balance Beam as our top choice in this category. Its texture and molded plastic construction can help your little ones improve their gross motor skills, including balance and coordination. Kids love to play with it, and it can be set up indoors or outdoors. There are 20 sections and you can put it together however you’d like; when you use all of them, it makes an oval.
The surface is textured and wavy with hills and valleys, so it helps little ones gauge distance and understand how to take steps on a surface that is not flat. Each block has non-slip rubber feet to prevent it from sliding around, and the textured top will also prevent slipping, even if your little ones are wearing only socks. You can easily take apart the balance beam to store it in a toy box or closet when not in use.
Artoflifer Kids Indoor and Outdoor Balance Beam Key Features:
- Holds up to 400 lbs
- Made of strong plastic
- Rubberized nonslip feet
- Textured top
- Use indoors or outdoors
- Made up of 20 sections
- Easy to assemble and take apart
Best Budget Balance Beam: Juperbsky Balance Beam
The Juperbsky Balance Beam is our top budget-friendly balance beam. This one is small: It’s four feet long and just two inches off the ground, so it’s good for children as well as for adults who want to practice some balance work. Because it sits so close to the ground, injuries are unlikely. The cover is waterproof vinyl; you can just wipe it off with a damp cloth to keep it clean.
This is a good balance beam to place on top of carpet, as the hook-and-loop section on the bottom will stick to the rug, functioning as a non-slip surface. That same hook-and-loop is what allows two or more of these balance beams to be attached together. Buy one now for your beginner, then add more as their skill level increases for a wallet-friendly way of building up a suitable balance beam over time.
Juperbsky Balance Beam Key Features:
- Four feet long and four inches wide
- Two inches off the ground
- Waterproof vinyl cover
- Slip-resistant on carpet
- Can attach more than one together for a longer beam
- For beginners
Best Adjustable Balance Beam: MaxKare Adjustable Balance Beam
Our favorite adjustable balance beam is the MaxKare Adjustable Balance Beam. It is eight feet long, so you’ll have enough room for some tricks and to get a good feel for the beam. The lowest setting will have you 4.7 inches off of the ground, and the highest setting is 20.5 inches of the ground. Beginners should start with it down low and only raise it once you feel comfortable.
The beam is made with a solid wood core and a non-slip suede cover to make it similar to what you would find in a competition. This makes it not only durable but also similar to what you can expect to find in a gymnastics studio or during competitions. The feet are non-slip, so it will not slide around on the floor. It can hold a maximum of 440 lbs.
MaxKare Adjustable Balance Beam Key Features:
- 8 feet long
- 4 inches wide
- Adjusts incrementally from 4.7 to 20.5 inches off of the ground
- Solid wood core
- Non-slip suede cover
- Non-slip rubberized feet
- Accommodates up to 440 lbs
Best Portable Balance Beam: Z-Athletic Gymnastics Roll-Up Balance Beam
The Z-Athletic Gymnastics Roll-Up Balance Beam is our top pick among the portable balance beams. As you can see, they roll up easily and can be taken with you wherever you or your child might want to practice. Each beam weighs just 6 lbs, and it is 9 feet long. The width is 6 inches, which makes it appropriate for beginners. You’ll be two inches off of the ground, which minimizes the chances of injury.
The beam is made from high-density polyurethane foam and it’s covered with a layer of carpeting. Set it up on any type of flooring, then just vacuum it when it needs to be cleaned. Roll it up when you’re done and store it in a closet, under the bed, or anywhere else that’s out of the way. This is a perfect solution for those who want to practice their balance without having a beam taking up space in a room or even a closet. Choose from three colors.
Z-Athletic Gymnastics Roll-Up Balance Beam Key Features:
- 9 feet long and 6 inches wide
- 2 inches off of the ground
- Weighs 6 lbs
- High-density polyurethane foam
- Covered with easy-to-clean carpeting
- Rolls up easily
Who Should Buy a Balance Beam
Parents of young children might consider buying a balance beam. One reason is that it can expose toddlers and preschoolers to a hobby that might last a lifetime! More importantly, however, it can help kids develop the balance they will need later for sports, individual athletics, and everyday life. If your child goes to a gymnastics class, the balance beam will help them improve their technique in between sessions.
Even adults can benefit from having a balance beam. You can add balance activities to your regular workout; balance is important throughout life, particularly during middle age and beyond, when falls could result in serious injury. And, of course, if you are a gymnast, you will probably want to have a balance beam at home for practice.
If you’re finding you need a little kick to make it through your gymnastic workout, then you may want to check out The Best Energy-Boosting Supplements.
Important Features to Consider
When you’re in the market for a balance beam for home use, there are a few features you should keep in mind. Here’s what to consider before you make your purchase.
- Height. An adjustable balance beam can be moved up and down on risers to allow you to choose your optimal balancing height. Be sure that the one you are considering will go to the height you prefer.
- Width. A regulation-size balance beam will be four inches wide. If you are just starting out, however, or if it is for a child, you might prefer a wider beam.
- Length. Most people do not have room for a 16.5-foot balance beam in their homes. If you are practicing for competitions, you’ll need a longer beam than if you are using it to improve your balance.
- Covering. It’s best to choose a balance beam with a slip-resistant cover that will allow for good grip. Professional beams are covered in leather or suede, but textured vinyl or other non-slip covers are good for home use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a balance beam for gymnastics?
A balance beam is a beam made of wood that allows gymnasts to perform artistic moves during competitions. For home use, a balance beam can be made of wood, foam, or other materials.
What is a balance beam used for?
A balance beam is used for part of gymnastics competitions. At home, however, a balance beam can be used for practicing for competitions or for personal exercise. Adults and children alike can benefit from improving their balance, and a balance beam can help with that.
How long is a competition balance beam?
A competition balance beam is 16 feet, 5 inches long. They are 4 inches wide and 48 inches off of the floor.
How much does a balance beam cost?
The prices for balance beams will vary depending on the type you get. In general, a floor balance beam will be less expensive than an adjustable balance beam, and a foam balance beam will be less expensive than one made of wood. The closer you get to a professional balance beam, the more you will pay. If you are looking for a floor model to use as part of an informal exercise program, you can often find one for under $50. If you need a professional balance beam, however, you will pay hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Other Balance Beams We Reviewed
We reviewed 20 other balance beams in addition to the ones we described above. Although these did not make our top 5 list, they’re still the best of the rest. You can compare the products within each category by looking at the key features sections.
Floor Balance Beams
This versatile balance beam sits on the floor and gives you nine feet to practice jumps, cartwheels, and more. A nonslip bottom ensures safety.
Key Features:
- 9 feet long
- 4 inches wide
- Suede finish
Cost: $40
BalanceFrom GoGym Sectional Floor Balance Beam
You’ll have more space than usual to practice your gymnastics thanks to getting two five-foot-long beams that attach with hook-and-eye fasteners.
Key Features:
- Comes with two 5 foot beams
- Wide base
- Synthetic suede cover
Cost: $50
Best Choice Products Floor Balance Beam
Medium-density foam and vinyl combine to create a professional-feeling floor balance beam. This folding beam is nine feet long.
Key Features:
- 9 feet long
- 4 inches wide
- Lightweight, foldable design
Cost: $45
Made of sturdy pine and foam and covered with flannel, this balance beam will allow you to practice for years to come.
Key Features:
- 7 feet long
- Foldable design
- Rubberized feet
Cost: $50
Learn the basics on this 10-foot-long balance beam. It is four inches wide and has a six-inch base, so you’ll have extra stability.
Key Features:
- 10 feet long
- Folds in half
- Available in several colors
Cost: $80
ZELUS Folding Gymnastics Balance Beam
This eight-foot-long folding balance beam has its own handle for easy transporting. It is made from a wood core and covered in suede.
Key Features:
- 8 feet long
- Nonslip textured bottom
- Easy to transport
Adjustable Balance Beams
EZ GLAM Gymnastics Adjustable Balance Beam
With several increments, you can adjust this 6.3-foot balance beam between four and 23 inches off of the ground. Good for intermediate gymnasts.
Key Features:
- 6 feet, 4 inches long
- Easy to adjust
- Sturdy balance beam
Cost: $160
High-density foam will give you good support while the suede cover will help prevent slips and falls. Adjusts from 7 to 24 inches off the ground.
Key Features:
- 8 feet long
- Nonslip rubber bottom
- Pull-and-click adjustment
Cost: $150
FCfuncheer 8FT Adjustable Balance Beam
There are four bright colors to choose from; this is the pink model. The beam is eight feet long and adjusts from 6 to 23 inches.
Key Features:
- 8 feet long
- 4 inches wide
- Anti-slip rubber feet
Cost: $135
This is a set of three 4-foot risers that attach together to provide 12 feet of balancing fun for your gymnast. Adjusts from 12 to 19 inches.
Key Features:
- Three 4-foot risers
- For gymnasts up to 90 lbs
- Wrapped in suede
Cost: $190
Milliard Adjustable Balance Beam
This product can be used as a floor model or you can use the risers. Using the risers, it adjusts from 7 inches to 18 inches.
Key Features:
- 8 feet long
- Wooden core
- Padded suede cover
Cost: $160
PreGymnastic Train On a Rainbow Beam
This balance beam has an oval shape rather than a square shape to more closely mimic competition beams. Adjusts from 7.4 to 24.4 inches.
Key Features:
- 8 feet long
- Three colors available (this model is purple)
- Heavy suede cover
Cost: $135
Springee 8ft Adjustable Balance Beam
This balance beam is designed for maximum stability and will accommodate gymnasts up to 140 lbs. Adjusts from 7 to 24 inches.
Key Features:
- 8 feet long
- Only needs an allen key (included)
- Two-year warranty
Balance Beams for Children
This figure-8 balance beam path has a ribbed top to help kids stay upright as they learn valuable balancing skills.
Key Features:
- 27 pieces
- Can accommodate up to 220 lbs
- Built to last
Cost: $140
Children’s Factory Soft Balance Beam
This soft balance beam provides safety, thanks to a wide base, and also a thrilling and empowering feeling when it has been mastered.
Key Features:
- Soft balance beam
- Trapezoid shape
- Good for toddlers
Cost: $120
The 28 pieces of this balance beam set can be snapped together in many ways, teaching your child not only balance but also creativity and collaboration.
Key Features:
- 28 piece set
- 4.5-inch base
- Non-slip surface
Cost: $140
The six, strong plastic pieces of this balance beam are connected by a rope. Place them at varying distances to help kids learn how to take big and small steps on a balance beam.
Key Features:
- 6 pieces connected by a rope
- Pieces stack together
- Textured surface
Cost: $50
Six durable plastic pieces snap into six connectors to create a unique balance path each time. An anti-slip rubber edges prevent falls.
Key Features:
- Set of 12 pieces
- Encourages creativity
- Accommodates up to 220 lbs
Cost: $70
Special Supplies Wavy Circle Balance Beams
Your little ones will learn how to balance while also accommodating for an uneven, textured surface underfoot. This is an eight-piece set.
Key Features:
- 8 non-slip pieces
- Pieces stack together when not in use
- Easy to assemble
Cost: $55
Make a square or a straight balance beam with these eight colorful pieces. They are wavy and have different textures to encourage balance.
Key Features:
- Set of 8 pieces
- Beams nest together
- Non-slip surface
Cost: $60
