Unfortunately, training for gymnastics is going to come with some cost. There are exercise or yoga mats to buy to keep your child safe and make things easier on their body. You also have to buy training equipment.
One of the biggest expenses of creating a home gym for kids is the gymnastics bar. They can be quite costly and, in many cases, not very stable unless you are willing and able to spend a small fortune.
For many families, the easy workaround comes when they discover that they can build their own.
Creating your own gymnastic bar means that you might spend about $40 in materials and spend some time in the build process, but it can save your sanity as well.
We are here to tell you how to build a gymnastics bar at home so that you can encourage training and activity for your child.
Table of Contents
How to Build a Gymnastics Bar at Home
When you decide it is time to build a gymnastics bar at home, there are some things you will need to have on hand. Most people have a lot of it lying around their home already, but you may have to buy some of them before you can start, especially the tools.
Materials You Will Need:
- Two 12-ft 2x4s
- Three 8-ft 2x4s
- One 10-ft 2×4
- One 4ft x 3/4-inch Bar (wooden or steel, though if you choose steel, it should be threaded on the ends)
- Wood Glue
- 2.5 and 3-inch Wood Screws
- Steel Washers
Please Note: If Using a Metal Bar, You Will Also Need Two 4-in Long Threaded Pips, four 3/4-in Couplers or Bushings, and Steel Washers.
The Right Tools for the Job
- Saws (Miter Saw and Table Saw)
- Hole Saw
- Cordless Drill and Bits
- Wrenches
Where to Begin
How to Build a Gymnastics Bar at Home
As you can see from the material list, most home gymnastic bars are made with wood. The reason for this is simple. Wood is affordable and easy and easy to find no matter where you are located.
However, this also means that it lacks the stability of competition bars. Therefore, you should choose only activities that are safe to do with this gymnastics bar, and you should always closely supervise your child when they are training.
One thing you can do to make it as safe as possible for your child is to put careful consideration into the wood that you choose. Ideally, you will choose a strong hardwood. Birch is very strong, as is Ash.
Pine is also a good choice if you are on a tight budget. Regardless of which wood you choose, it should have a straight grain that runs along the length of the wood. This will ensure it is stronger and able to withstand more weight.
Once you have the wood, you will want to move on to building the homemade gymnastics bar. Here’s a simple way to get it done.
Step 1: Build the Legs
Your two vertical support beams should be around 6-ft tall. This means you will need at least 12-feet of 4×4-inch lumber. If you do not have a saw, most hardware stores will be happy to cut it for you.
Step 2: Prepare the Feet
Your gymnastics bar will need feet. The feet will need to be 5-ft long 2x4s to ensure that the gymnastics bar has a stable base. This is easy if you have the 10-ft long 2x4s because you basically cut it in half giving your stand two feet.
Step 3: Build Crossbars
The crossbars will need to be cut next. You will need four 3-ft sections of board using 2×4 boards. Ideally, you will cut the crossbars at a 45-degree angle so that it fits securely in place. This may require you to have access to a miter saw for simplicity.
Step 4: Attach Legs and Feet
Now you will begin attaching everything together. Start by laying the 6-ft 4x4s down and add one of the 5-ft 2x4s to the bottom. Secure it with glue, screws, and a C-clamp in the center of that 5-ft section of wood.
Next, add your supports. One 45-degree angle should be against the center 4×4 and the other end should lay against the 2×4. Secure these ends with screws and repeat on the other side.
Step 5: Drill Necessary Holes for Your Bar
To install the bar, you must first know where it should be situated on the stand. This means measuring the chest height of whoever will be using the bar.
For the most accurate results, we suggest that you have the person stand against the wall as flat against it as possible. Then, using a tape measure, measure from the floor to the center of that person’s chest (approximately armpit level).
Write this measurement down because that will help you decide where the bar should be placed.
Now, you should add 4-inches to that measurement and mark it out on each of the legs of your stand. You may also want to measure the exact location of your marks as you put them on the legs to ensure that they are centered on the 4x4s.
You do not want to risk having one leg further forward than the other since this will make the gymnastics bar unstable.
Drill your holes. You will need a bit that can make a 1 3/4-inch hole in each leg. Your bar should also measure 1 3/4-inches around so that it fits perfectly in the hole that you create. You can choose wood bars or a metal bar.
When using metal, you will want the bar to go at least a couple inches out from the side of your 4×4 so that you can secure it later.
Step 6: Mount the Crossbar and Attach
If using a wooden bar, you can screw it securely in place using a screw from the side. Make sure you take your time, so the wood doesn’t splinter, and you go through the wood bar.
If you are using a metal bar, you will need a flange coupler over the end of the bar and wood screws to put into the holes.
Step 7: Add Crossbar Between Feet
Add the crossbar between the front and back of the feet for added safety and stability.
Safety Matters: Things to Keep in Mind
There are many easy tutorials on How to Build a Gymnastics Bar at Home. However, since you, your kids, your partner or others that you are close to will be using it, we do urge you to consider these safety tips to keep everyone safe.
Never Use a Wobbly Gymnastics Bar!
Not Designed for Complex Tricks! Avoid spins, swings, flips, and similar.
Supervision Required! Never allow kids to train without supervision, even if they are skilled gymnasts.
We hope that this has helped you in creating a homemade gymnastics bar that can increase your family’s gymnastics training.
