The air beam is a versatile piece of equipment that has become increasingly popular for gymnasts looking to improve their skills in a low-impact, safe environment. This inflatable beam mimics the feel of a traditional balance beam but offers a softer, more forgiving surface. It’s perfect for practicing beam skills at home or in the gym without the fear of hard falls. In this article, we’ll guide you through a structured air beam gymnastics workout designed to help you improve balance, technique, and confidence on the beam.

Benefits of Training on an Air Beam

Before diving into the workout, let’s explore why incorporating an air beam into your training routine can be so effective:

• Reduced Impact: The soft, inflatable surface helps protect your joints from hard landings, making it ideal for repetitive drills and skill development.
• Increased Confidence: The forgiving surface makes it easier to practice new or challenging skills without the fear of injury from falls, boosting your confidence as you try harder moves.
• Improved Balance: The narrow, beam-like shape helps gymnasts work on balance and precision, key elements needed for perfecting routines on a traditional beam.
• Portability: Air beams are lightweight and portable, making them easy to set up at home or take to the gym for additional practice.
• Fun: Practicing gymnastics skills on an air beam can be a lot more fun!

Now, let’s dive into the air beam workout designed to strengthen your beam skills while building confidence and balance.

We put together an air beam workout for you that focuses on drills to improve your beam skills. If you don’t have an air beam, you can do it on a regular low beam.

OUR HOME AIR BEAM PICK: Air Beam
WHY: Good quality, perfect for safely practicing skills on at home. More surface area than a beam when you are practicing new skills, particularly tumbling skills for the beam.

OUR HOME BEAM PICK: Addie Beam for Home
WHY: Shape and feel is the same as a competitive beam. Low to the ground and perfect for practicing your skills at home safely.

Air Beam Workout

1st Round of the Air Beam Workout- Focusing on Getting off the Beam

These drills are good for helping you learn to jump and leap higher.

Single Leg Hops Alternating legs

Make sure you are pushing hard through your bottom leg so you can get as high off the beam as possible.

Small Straight Body Punches

Make sure you keep a tight body position by squeezing your bottom and core.

Straight Jumps with Left Leg in Front & then Right Leg 

Keep a tight body position and push through your legs. Goal is to get higher each time.

Straight Jumps Down and Back

You want to squeeze your bottom and core so that you can move down the beam without wobbling side to side.

Jump ½ Turn

Squeeze your core tight, and bend your knees when you land to do them without bobbling.

Bonus Exercise: Jump Full Turn

2nd Round of the Air Beam Workout – Leap Drills & Leaps

These drills will help you learn to leap bigger and higher.

Needle Kicks

Try to keep your legs completely straight and only bend at the waist.

Assemblés

You want to push through the leg you are stepping on to get as high off the beam as you can.

Step Step Leap

Once you get the sequence down, try to make the steps faster so that you can use them as punching steps to get higher off the beam.

Chassé Step Leap

After you learn the sequence, you want to make the chassé and the step fast so that you can get higher off the beam for your leap. Start your chassé with your dominant leg, step with your “bad leg” and then leap with your dominant leg.

Flutter Kicks

Keep your legs squeezed tight and point your feet hard when they come off the beam.

Bonus Exercise: Baby Switch Leaps or Switch Leaps

3rd Round of the Air Beam Workout- Handstands & Drills

These drills are designed to help you improve your beam tumbling skills.

Handstands to Relevé Hold

You want to land one foot right behind the other and squeeze your legs to get in a tight body hold.

Handstand to Knee

The goal of this drill is to practice having square hips (hips centered over the beam) when you land your acro skills.

Cartwheel to Relevé Hold

Squeeze your core and bottom when you land your cartwheel to stay tight in your relevé hold.

Cartwheel to Knee

This is another drill you can do to practice having square hips (hips centered over the beam) when you land your acro skills.

Bonus Exercise: Backwalkover to Knee

Hope you have enjoyed this air beam workout! Leave us a comment with the next workout you want us to make!

Frequently Asked Questions about Gymnastics Air Beams

• What is a gymnastics air beam?A gymnastics air beam is a lightweight, inflatable beam designed to simulate the feel of a traditional balance beam used in gymnastics training and practice.
• How does a gymnastics air beam differ from a traditional balance beam?Unlike traditional balance beams, which are rigid and typically made of wood or synthetic materials, gymnastics air beams are inflatable and portable, making them easier to transport and store. They also provide a softer surface, reducing the risk of injury during practice.
• What are the dimensions of a gymnastics air beam?Gymnastics air beams come in various lengths and widths, but standard sizes range from 3 meters to 5 meters in length and 10 centimeters to 20 centimeters in width.
• What is the material used to make a gymnastics air beam?Gymnastics air beams are typically made of durable, high-quality PVC material, which is lightweight, waterproof, and resistant to punctures.
• How is a gymnastics air beam inflated?Most gymnastics air beams come with a hand pump or electric pump for inflation. Users simply attach the pump to the valve on the beam and inflate it to the desired firmness.
• Can the firmness of a gymnastics air beam be adjusted?Yes, the firmness of a gymnastics air beam can be adjusted by adding or releasing air using the pump. This allows users to customize the beam’s feel to suit their preferences and skill level.
• Is a gymnastics air beam suitable for all skill levels?Yes, gymnastics air beams are suitable for gymnasts of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced athletes. They provide a safe and supportive surface for practicing a variety of skills, including jumps, turns, and balance routines.
• Where can a gymnastics air beam be used?Gymnastics air beams can be used indoors or outdoors on a flat, stable surface. They are ideal for home practice, gymnastics clubs, schools, and other training facilities.
• How durable is a gymnastics air beam?When properly cared for, gymnastics air beams are highly durable and can withstand regular use. However, it’s important to avoid sharp objects and rough surfaces that could cause damage or punctures.
• How do you clean and maintain a gymnastics air beam?Gymnastics air beams can be cleaned with mild soap and water using a soft cloth or sponge. After use, it’s important to deflate the beam and store it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight to prolong its lifespan.

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