thumb|right|A gymnast performs on the parallel bars
thumb|right|A handstand
Parallel bars are floor apparatus consisting of two wooden bars approximately long and positioned at above the floor. Parallel bars are used in artistic gymnastics and also for physical therapy and home exercise. Gymnasts may optionally wear grips when performing a routine on the parallel bars, although this is uncommon.
Apparatus
The apparatus consists of two parallel bars that are held parallel to, and elevated above, the floor by a metal supporting framework. The bars must be elastic and stable, and the surface of the bars must be made of wood or a similar material. Modern bars are typically made of two ash rails reinforced inside with fiberglass. 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. He created the first known set of parallel bars, based on the vaulting horse with extended handles and no body between them, and installed them in his open-air gymnastics exercise ground, which opened in Berlin in 1811. At the time, they were meant to strengthen the arms for exercises on the vaulting horse, then a substitute for exercises on a real horse.
The first parallel bars could not be adjusted and were bolted into the ground. They sometimes had three bars, particularly in schools focused on health care.
- I. Elements in support or through support on both bars
- 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; many swing type elements should momentarily show handstand.