An approximate method for the analysis of Timoshenko beams under impact is presented; it is based on a “traveling-wave” approach and on the principle of virtual work. Displacement functions are assumed in terms of several time-dependent parameters; the latter are found as the solution of a set of ordinary differential equations. Some of the characteristics of the propagation of disturbances are analyzed in the Appendix. Illustrative numerical results pertaining to semi-infinite and finite beams also are presented.