View source for Parallel bars

{{Short description|Apparatus used in artistic gymnastics}}
[[File:AlejandroonParallelBars.jpg|thumb|right|A gymnast performs on the parallel bars]]
[[Image:Gymnasta.jpg|thumb|right|A handstand]]
{{distinguish|Uneven bars}}
'''Parallel bars''' are floor apparatus consisting of two wooden bars slightly over {{convert|11|ft|m|order=flip}} long and positioned at 200 centimetres (6.6 ft) above the floor. Parallel bars are used in [[artistic gymnastics]] and also for [[physical therapy]] and [[exercise|home exercise]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mademan.com/mm/parallel-bar-exercises-physical-therapy.html |title=Parallel Bar Exercises For Physical Therapy |last=Potts |first=Jennifer |date=March 21, 2011 |website=Mademan}}</ref> Gymnasts may optionally wear [[grip (gymnastics)|grip]]s when performing a routine on the parallel bars, although this is uncommon.

== Apparatus ==
The apparatus consists of two [[parallel (geometry)|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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Apparatus Norms |url=http://www.unorp.br/downloads_blogs/Nomenclatura_dos_aparelhos.pdf |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|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 }}</ref> 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.<ref name=dimensions>{{cite web |title=Apparatus Norms |url=http://www.unorp.br/downloads_blogs/Nomenclatura_dos_aparelhos.pdf |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|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 }}</ref>

=== Dimensions ===
*Bar length: {{convert|350|cm|ft}} ± {{convert|1|cm|in}}<ref name=dimensions />
*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 <ref name=dimensions />
*Bar width: {{convert|4|cm|in}} ± {{convert|1|mm|in}}<ref name=dimensions />
*Height of bar from floor: {{convert|200|cm|ft}} ± {{convert|1|cm|in}}<ref name=dimensions />
*Distance between bars: {{convert|42|cm|in}} – {{convert|52|cm|in}} (adjustable)<ref name=dimensions />

==History==
The parallel bars (in German ''Barren'') were invented by [[Friedrich Ludwig Jahn]] in [[Berlin]].<ref>[http://www.gymmedia.com/ghent2001/appa/bars/history_ba.htm History of bars]</ref> 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.

== Routines ==
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.

=== International level routines ===
A parallel bar routine should contain at least one element from all element groups:<ref name=groups>{{cite web |title=MAG Code of Points 2009-2012 |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205 |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|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 }}</ref>
* 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

=== Scoring and rules ===
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;<ref>{{cite web |title=MAG Code of Points 2009-2012 |url=http://figdocs.lx2.sportcentric.com/external/serve.php?document=1205 |publisher=[[Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique|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 }}</ref> swing type elements should momentarily show handstand.<ref name=groups />

==See also==

* [[Parallettes]]

==External links==
{{Commons category|Parallel bars}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus and Equipment}}
{{Footer Olympic Champions Parallel Bars Men}}
{{NavigationWorldChampionsArtisticGymnasticsMen’sParallelBars}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Parallel Bars}}
[[Category:Sports originating in Germany]]
[[Category:Artistic gymnastics apparatus]]
[[Category:German inventions]]
[[Category:1819 in sports]]


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