page_title: Mat (gymnastics)
section_title: Beam pads
hierarchical_section_title: Mat (gymnastics) / Types / Beam pads
caption_attribution_description: English: Beam safety wrap manufactured by Mancino being attached to balance beam.
context_page_description: Mats are used for safety in gymnastics, and in training new skills. They are usually a piece of foam ranging from 1.5-28 inches thick, covered in a vinyl or plastic lining. The foam ranges in density from relatively firm to very soft.
  Landing mats are usually blue, but can also be almost any other color. Mats come in a range of sizes, from very small mats used on the beam, to very large mats, used in the foam pits.
  Typically, in both competition and practice, the use of mats is mandatory. On every event except floor exercise, pommel horse and vault, gymnasts may use an additional landing mat, without deduction, which may be adjusted for distance.
context_section_description: These are thin mats that fasten around the balance beam. They are used only in training to give gymnasts training high-level skills additional protection and a wider landing space while working on the apparatus. Makeshift beam pads can also be constructed from soft mats placed over the beam surface, if necessary.
caption: This gymnastics coach is fastening a foam beam wrap to the balance beam.
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