Parallel bars

The apparatus consists of two parallel bars that are held parallel to, and elevated above, the floor by a metal supporting framework. The bars are composed of wood or other material, with an outer wood coating.{{cite web |title=Apparatus Norms |url=http://www.unorp.br/downloads_blogs/Nomenclatura_dos_aparelhos.pdf |publisher=FIG |page=II/27 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907083021/http://www.unorp.br/downloads_blogs/Nomenclatura_dos_aparelhos.pdf |archive-date=2012-09-07 |url-status=dead }} The vertical members of the supporting framework are adjustable so the height of the bars above the floor and distance between the bars can be set optimally for each gymnast.{{cite web |title=Apparatus Norms |url=http://www.unorp.br/downloads_blogs/Nomenclatura_dos_aparelhos.pdf |publisher=FIG |page=II/28 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120907083021/http://www.unorp.br/downloads_blogs/Nomenclatura_dos_aparelhos.pdf |archive-date=2012-09-07 |url-status=dead }}

• Bar length: {{convert|350|cm|ft}} ± {{convert|1|cm|in}}
• Bar rounded profile: {{convert|5|cm|in|abbr=on|frac=32}} ± {{convert|1|mm|in}} vertical by {{convert|4|cm|in}} ± {{convert|1|mm|in}} horizontal
• Height of bar from floor: {{convert|200|cm|ft}} ± {{convert|1|cm|in}}
• Distance between bars: {{convert|42 to 52|cm|in}} (adjustable)

The parallel bars (in German Barren) were invented by Friedrich Ludwig Jahn in Berlin.[http://www.gymmedia.com/ghent2001/appa/bars/history_ba.htm History of bars] In 1819 the first transportable parallel bars were described. In 1856, Hermann Otto Kluge used tubes to adjust the parallel and horizontal bars in Germany. He used them in his gym. In Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, published between 1873 and 1877, their use for exercise is mentioned.

A routine performed on the parallel bars must include various elements that depend on the gymnast's competitive level. A typical performance will involve swinging skills in a support position (on the hands), a hanging position, and an upper arm position (resting on the inner bicep). Also, parallel bar routines often feature a strength or static hold skill such as an L-sit or handstand. Each routine ends with a dismount from either the bars' ends or the apparatus's side.

A parallel bar routine should contain at least one element from all element groups:{{cite web |title=MAG Code of Points 2009-2012 |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205 |publisher=FIG |page=100 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001002145/http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205 |archive-date=2009-10-01 }}

• I. Elements in support or through support
• II. Elements starting in the upper arm position
• III. Long swings in hang, on 1 or 2 bars, and Underswings
• IV. Dismounts

Deductions are taken for lack of form and precision of elements performed. There are specific deductions for adjusting the hand position in the handstand and not controlling swing elements;{{cite web |title=MAG Code of Points 2009-2012 |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205 |publisher=FIG |page=101 |format=PDF |access-date=2009-10-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091001002145/http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205 |archive-date=2009-10-01 }} swing type elements should momentarily show handstand.

• Parallettes

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Category:Sports originating in Germany

Category:Artistic gymnastics apparatus

Category:German inventions

Category:1819 in sports