Gymnastic bridges: What exactly is it and how do you use it?
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The bridge is a gymnastics device. The men touring on a bridge with two bars at the same height, the women on a bridge with two bars at different heights. The bars that are usually used during training are made of wood, sometimes reinforced with a steel core. The newest bridge layers are made of fiberglass.
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What we discuss in this comprehensive post:
The Herenbrug: A Beginner's Guide
What is a Herenbrug?
The Herenbrug is a gymnastics device that consists of two parallel bars that are at the same height. These shelves are adjustable in height, so that they adapt to different swing shapes. This prevents gymnasts from touching their feet to the ground.
What can you do with a Herenbrug?
With a Herenbrug you can practice all kinds of different elements, such as:
- Swing (support swing)
- Tipping
- Static elements (handstand)
- Flight elements
How do you use a Herenbrug?
If you are going to practice with a Herenbrug for the first time, it is important to choose the correct height of the bars. The height should be such that your feet cannot touch the floor. Then you can start practicing different elements. Don't forget to perfect your technique before practicing the more difficult elements.
The Damesbrug: A Challenge for Gymnasts
Gymnastics is a sport that offers many different challenges. One of the most popular is the women's bridge, also known as the uneven bars bridge. This bridge has two parallel bars, both of which are adjustable in height. The low shelf ranges from 146 cm to 196 cm, while the high shelf can be adjusted from 226 cm to 276 cm. The width can also be adjusted (stepless from 110 cm to 180 cm, measured diagonally), but the widest position is ideal for a good swing.
Different types of elements can be performed on the women's bridge. Below is an overview of the most popular:
- Swing, like the giant swing
- Turns, such as the belly turn and the sole turn
- Tipping
- Leg swing movements, such as squatting and counter-spreading
- Flight elements
At the lower levels of gymnastics, mainly the turns are performed, such as the belly turn (turning around with the whole stretched with the belly against the beam). While at the higher levels more and more swing and flight elements are being performed, such as the giant swing and the back flip. In the latter, the gymnast must release the bar, do a somersault in the flight phase and grab the other bar again.
Gymnastics on the women's bars is a challenge for gymnasts of all levels. Whether you're new to gymnastics or are already an experienced gymnast, the women's parallel bars offers a challenge that you can throw yourself into again and again.
The right learnings for every device
For the uneven bridge
If you want to climb the uneven bridge, you need special leathers. These leathers are specially designed to keep your feet in the right place so that you can climb the bridge with ease.
For the horizontal bar
To climb the horizontal bar, you need other leathers. These leathers are made to keep your hands and feet in the right place so that you can climb the horizontal bar with ease.
For the rings
If you want to hang from the rings, you need other leathers. These leathers are made to keep your hands and feet in the right place so that you can climb the rings with ease.
Why do gymnasts run with leathers?
Gymnastics is a sport in which you have to combine your technique and strength to make beautiful exercises. And when you talk about gymnastics, you can't ignore the uneven bridge. But what many people don't know is that wearing leathers at the uneven bridge is a must.
Why do gymnasts run with leathers?
Gymnasts wear leashes because it helps them perform their exercises better. The leathers give the gymnasts more grip, so that they can perform their exercises with more control. In addition, the leathers give the gymnasts more stability, making them less likely to fall.
How do you choose the right leathers?
If you are looking for leathers for the uneven bridge, it is important to choose the right leathers. Women's leathers have two finger holes, one for the middle finger and one for the ring finger. Choose leathers that are comfortable and that enclose your fingers well.
What if you don't wear leathers?
Although there are still gymnasts who perform their exercises with bare hands, wearing leathers is still recommended. Research has shown that 85% of gymnasts wear leathers. So if you're not used to leathers yet, it might be a good idea to get some.
Conclusion
It's great for practicing on a gymnastics bridge and perfect for your strength. Children can certainly start with it, if only in the playground on the horizontal bar :)
Always something to do for the holidays or rainy day?
Play Choice now has the ultimate activity book collection, with over 60 pages of fun coloring pages and educational puzzles.
Joost Nusselder, the founder of Speelkeuze.nl is a content marketer, father and loves trying out new toys. As a child he came into contact with everything related to games when his mother started the Tinnen Soldaat in Ede. Now he and his team create helpful blog articles to help loyal readers with fun play ideas.
