Exercises On The Balance Beam example essay topic

PE 116 Movement Education Kevin Juon Date 4-21-99 The Balance Beam The word gymnastics came from the Greeks. The Greeks used this word to describe any type of physical activity. Exercise was an important part of their education process, sort of like what is in place today. They used exercise in order to beautify the body, promote health, comfort, strength, and vigor. The Romans took the Greeks beliefs on exercise, and used them in training their military forces. After the Romans, exercising virtually dropped off the face of the Earth until Johann Basedow (1723-1790) opened a school in 1774.

Then once again, it became part of education. Today, hundreds of years after the Greeks, many people exercise for these same reasons they did. The Spartans also exercised, and one of the things they did were balancing activities. This was most likely important to the Spartans for different reasons, for example, it would help them during battle to be able to keep their balance. Schools today also use the balance beam even though it is not because they want the kids to be prepared for battle. The balance beam will help the kids acquire the balance needed in many activities they will perform as kids, teenagers, and adults.

Many types of gymnastics help balance, but there is no single activity that requires balance like the balance beam. The balance beam is able to be used for all different skill levels because the height of the beam can be adjusted. The teacher of a class is able to have the kids first try the exercise trying to stay on a piece of tape that was put on the floor. Then they could have the kids try it on a bleacher, it is a higher up, but is also wider than a regulation balance beam.

Finally, once the kids get th hang of it, they can have them try the exercises on the balance beam. A direct result of the balance beam use, is the development and good use of the muscles in the feet (Quinn 80). Before using the balance beam, be sure that mats are placed in the correct areas. The mats should be placed at both ends of apparatus for mounts and dismounts, they should be to the sides of the apparatus in case the student should fall, and covering any parts of the apparatus the student could fall and get hurt on. When the student is mounting the beam, they should start off simple. A step on mount would be a good mount to start with, and then as they get practice they can try to increase the difficulty.

The student should look up when they are on the balance beam (they can focus on a fixed object). This will help them keep their balance. They can also put their hands out in order to help them keep their balance. The student should walk toe to heal when on the apparatus, when walking forward and backward. Speed is definitely not a concern when on the beam.

The student should go at the speed that is comfortable for them. One thing that should go hand and hand with the balance beam is spotting. It is vital that there is a spotter there at all times even if one thinks they are a professional. Being alert is the most important thing a spotter should be. It is also important that the spotter be some what knowledgeable about where to be and place their hands during the different skills being performed. In the movement education class it was shown that a person is never to old to get on the balance beam.

It was hard for many to do the basic skills on the balance beam. With as little practice as people had on the balance beam, one could see the improvements some people in the class had made. The people that were quite good were able to do some of the more difficult skills if they would have liked. This is why I feel that the balance beam is a good teaching device in the school because of the fact that no matter what skill level the student is they can do it, and it is fun.

I was not the best at it, or any of the other things we did, but I had a great time attempting to try things. In conclusion, it seems to me that the Spartans had to be thinking when they decided to do balancing activities in order to help their youths. It must have been a good idea if we are still doing the same thing today that they did hundreds of years ago. Finally I believe the balance beam is a good activity to do in the school as long as all of the necessary safety precautions are taken.

Bibliography

PE 116 Movement Education Kevin Juon Date 4-21-99 The Balance Beam The word gymnastics came from the Greeks. Finally, once the kids get the hang of it, they can have them try the exercises on the balance beam.