Noun

parallel bars (plural only)

1. (gymnastics) A set of apparatus consisting of two horizontal bars at a small distance apart, used by male gymnasts, upon which acts of swinging and holding and jumping are performed.
2. (gymnastics) A gymnastics event using the parallel bars.

Parallel bars is an apparatus used by male gymnasts in artistic gymnastics. The apparatus consists of two parallel bars that are held parallel to, and at an elevated position above, the floor by a metal supporting framework. The bars are usually made of wood, plastic or composite material, and 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. Traditionally, only male gymnasts perform on the Parallel bars. Gymnasts may optionally wear grips when performing a routine on the parallel bars.

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. The basic swings may be modified in order to execute various flips and turns. Also, parallel bar routines often feature a strength or static hold skill. Each routine ends with a dismount from either the ends of the bars or the side of the apparatus. A common dismount is a back off, in which the gymnast swings forward in a front support (between the bars) and then executes a backflip over one of the bars, landing in a standing position next to the apparatus. The elements performed on parallel bars are specified in the Code of Points.