Balance Beams

Balance Beams

I ordered a couple of balance beams last week and had them delivered to two different families. I haven't even had a chance to see them because I am still working remotely. I don't consider myself any kind of expert on balance beams, but I thought I would pass along a little about what I learned while shopping for these and then add my take of 47 things to do on a balance beam.

What the beam is made of is very important. I ordered one with firm foam for an individual that does not weigh much and another one that has wood inside for a larger, heavier person. What is inside is important because you want the person using it to have the support they need to feel safe while moving on the beam. Some of the beams were actually squishy and you could see how the foot sunk into the material. The last thing that a person who is trying to improve their balance needs is an unstable surface.

Both boards fold in half for storage and can store easily under a bed or behind a couch. It is important that a beam has some type of non-slip material on the bottom so it will not move around and a covered hinge that will not scratch your floor (if it is fold-able).

Firm foam beam - Although I did not find a specific weight limit, there was discussion that if a person was too heavy, they would sink a bit. They talked about these being good for kids. A foam beam is easier to transport and move around than a heavy wood beam. The foam beam I ordered has firm foam, a vinyl-type non-slip surface and non-slip bottom.

Wood beam - This one should be stable for a heavier person. Most of them had a suede covering. I am wondering how it will hold up to dirt. This will be heavier to transport, but that should not be an issue if it is left at someone's home.

BTW - This worked great remotely. They can just prop up the tablet or computer screen so you can watch and instruct, and have a parent or assistant nearby to steady if needed.

Safety - Remember, when working with balance beams, always have someone there for support. You can stand to the side of the person as they walk and offer support, or straddle the beam and walk backward in front of the person, holding their hands.

A comment from Carlos, a reader, also reminds us of the advantages of using balance beams.   

    Balance beams are a fantastic tool for kids' physical development! They not only help improve balance and coordination but also enhance core strength and stability. Plus, they offer a fun and engaging way for children to challenge themselves and build confidence. As a parent, I've seen firsthand how my child's motor skills have improved through using a balance beam. It's definitely a great investment for any child's play area! I also wrote about it - https://www.amatterofstyle.eu/inspire-me/what-is-a-balance-beam-used-for Thanks for sharing!  -- Carlos

 

Let's get started with 47 things to do on a balance beam.

47 THINGS TO DO ON A BALANCE BEAM   

1. Walk across, arms out (airplane).
2. Walk across, arms out, turn around on the beam, walk back, arms out.
3. Walk across, arms down to the side.
4. Walk across, hands on head.
5. Walk across, hands on hip.
6. Take a step, count to five without losing balance, take a step, count to five, until you get to the end.
7. Walk across with hands clasped behind the body.
8. Walk across backward with arms out.
9. Walk across backward with arms behind back.
10. Walk across, arms out, eyes closed.
11. Walk sideways across the board starting with the right foot. Then walk back, sideways starting with the left foot.
12. Walk across, arms out, balancing something on your head (beanbag, book, etc.)
13.  Walk across, arms out, balancing something light on either the palms or the backs of your hands (beanbag, etc.)
14.  Switch up the directions, giving commands such as forward, forward, forward, backward, side-step, side-step, etc.
15.  Line up several empty containers along the balance beam. Carry several small beans bags or tightly wadded paper balls in hand, stopping by each bucket and throwing one in. Move the buckets farther and farther away from the board as the aim improves.
16.  Do number 14 but don’t stop to throw.
17.  Do number 14 but instead of carrying the beanbags, have someone throw one to you and you throw it into the bucket. Do several times.
18.  Walk halfway across the board and stop in the middle. Play catch with someone with a light-weight object for a minute. Then continue crossing the beam.
19.  Play catch with someone and a light-weight object while you are walking across the beam.
20.  Walk to the middle of the beam, then walk back backwards to the end.
21.  Walk to the end of the beam, then walk back backwards to the end.
22.  Walk to the middle. Stoop to pick up a light-weight object placed there ahead of time. Try not to step off the board. Finish walking to the end.
23.  Control large steps vs. small steps by placing small or flat items on the beam to step over.
24.  Play Simon Says. Give commands such as take two large steps forward, walk back one step with your hands on your head, walk forward two steps with eyes closed, open eyes and side-step three steps, etc.
25.  Walk across the beam, reinforce side by saying “right” each time right foot steps. Walk back and reinforce left.
26.  Step on and off the beam, without walking. Time yourself and see how many times you can do it in a minute. Then go again and try for one more.
27.  Do animal walks. Think about how different animals move and then try to imitate them. For example, amble like a bear across the beam or float across like a butterfly, moving your arms gracefully as you walk or tiptoe. Step sideways and hop like a bunny or waddle like a duck. Practice before you get on the beam to get the feel of it. Then do it on the beam.
28. Categorize the animals. Plan a pretend trip to a zoo, farm, aquarium, desert, wherever you find animals. Imitate those animals as you walk across the beam. Add sound for a real party. 
29.  Move across to the beat of your favorite music, making up your own dance steps. Go back and forth several times.
30.  Pretend you are different people and walk like they would. Marchers – lift your knees up high when you step. Swimmers – move your arms like you are swimming while you walk.  Boxers – punch the air as you walk.  Ballerina – try floating your arms and occasionally lifting one leg as you move across gracefully. Musician – Play an air guitar as you walk, beat an imaginary drum, or toot a horn.
31.  Set a timer for 1 minute. How many times can you walk back and forth without falling off. Try with arms out, try with arms at your side.
32.  Take turns with the person who is walking across the beam. It will give them a brief rest and you can take the opportunity to model what you want next.
33.  Make a Jeopardy game on the computer. Add a different activity to each slide. Make the category titles sound fun. Play along.
34.  Move as fast as a rabbit across the beam, then move as slow as a turtle going back, without losing your balance.
35.  Bounce a ball to the front as you side-step across. Then bounce a ball to your side as you walk across, forward.
36.  Place an empty bucket a foot away from the end of the beam. Walk halfway, turn around, and throw a beanbag (or several) into the bucket.
37.  Bounce and catch a ball on the beam, in front of you, as you walk across.
38.  Place several stack-able items, such as plastic cups, near the balance beam and down the length of both sides. Walk down the beam, picking up each item as you come to it, and stack them in your hand as you go.
39.  Place three of four items down one side of the beam. As you come to each item, pick it up and transfer it to the floor on the other side of the beam.
40.  Hold something, such as a yard stick over the middle of the beam so the person will have to step over it. Raise it a little higher each time they pass.
41.  Walk to the middle of the beam and turn sideways, facing the therapist. Therapist strikes different poses for the individual to copy, without losing their balance.
42. Give a verbal sequence to move across, like "hop hop, little step, big step". Follow the sequence to the end. Or just demonstrate it and don't speak it. Or demonstrate and speak (some learn best this way).
43.  Ask the person to choose a number between 1 and 44, and then find that item on this list and do it.
44. Give the individual a title, such as wiggle-waggle or happy dance. See what they come up with as they move across the board.
45. Make a simple fishing pole with a magnet on the end (I bought a pole in the cat toy section and the dollar store and hot glued a magnet on the end.). Draw and color a few paper fish. Cut them out and slip a paper clip on each one. Scatter them on the floor around the balance beam. Stand on the beam and pretend you are fishing off a bridge. Hover over the clip with the pole and pick up the fish. Pick them up one by one and catch them all. Place the fish pictures at different distances so that the individual will have to reach and bend without losing their balance.
46. Do number 45 and add pictures of an old boot, a rock, a flat tire, etc. Pick up the fish but avoid picking up the oddball stuff.
47. Do number 46 and number the fish. Pick them up in number order, forward and backward. Or use different colored fish and call out the colors to catch.