On the floor exercise, gymnasts perform a routine that includes a series of dance and tumbling.  The floor is a square carpet that is 40 by 40 feet.  Underneath the carpet is a layer of ply wood, a layer of springs, and many layers of foam to make it bouncy and to lighten the impact of landings.  On the carpet, a white line going all the way around the floor.  It marks the forty feet.  While competing, if you step out of the white line, you will get deductions. 

     A floor routine is made up of 94% dance and 6% tumbling.  Most routines last between one minute and one minute and thirty seconds, but there are usually only 2-3 tumbling passes.  A routine is performed to music but there are no lyrics.  If you want lyrics in your music it is an automatic deduction. 

     The floor exercise is the oldest event in the sport of gymnastics.  It began in the late 19^th century.  Many of the skills performed today were incorporated into it.  It was performed on a wood floor, but eventually it was changed to a mat, and then the floor today. 

     A balance beam is about 16 feet long and 4 inches wide.  For competition it is generally close to 4 feet off the ground.  It is a piece of wood with padding and a leather like covering.  A gymnast will mount and perform her routine while trying not to fall off. 

     A beam routine is not performed to music.  It usually lasts from 30 sec. to a minute 30 sec.  Optional gymnasts have a routine that requires an aerial move.  That is a skill where at one point nothing is touching the beam.  A beam routine consists mostly of dance.

      The beam originated in nineteenth century Germany.  It was first elongated cornucopia on two stands.  As time progressed it became just a piece of wood.  Now it has padding.