gymnastics bars “safety straps”

I am surprised how many different systems are used for strapping on to a men’s horizontal bar.

Most coaches use the system they first used.

Eugene Galperin, one of the most successful Canadian coaches in history, brought straps from the USSR to Toronto decades ago. An athlete from Ontario showed up in my gym one day with straps — and I was hooked.

I still use 2 inch (5cm) wide straps with long sport socks (from the lost & found) wrapped around the bar. I want to simulate the feel of the actual wooden rail for the girls.

Kids who are used to narrower straps find mine awkward to put on. But force is distributed over a greater surface area, a real advantage, I feel.

Mountain Shadows Gymnastics