Balance beam is an event performed only by women. The beam is usually 5 inches wide and 16 feet long, and the height of the beam is adjustable. A balance bean routine is normally between 45 and 90 seconds. A beam routine involves different jumps, turns, leaps, acrobatic skills, and balance positions. You first learn the skills on the floor, and then when you are confident enough you can take it to the beam!

There are three different types of bars the horizontal bar, the parallel bars for men, and the uneven parallel bars for women. Each requires strong arms and shoulders. Some basic moves are the forward rotation, straight arm support, and upper arm support. The most common move is the forward rotation. Beginners often train above a foam-filled pit or a thick mat to avoid injury if they fall. The bars take a lot of skill and practice.

Floor is the most common event. Some of the most common tricks are cartwheels, round-offs, and backhand springs. The floor even takes place on a 40x40 mat. Gymnasts put together a sequence of movements and balances to create a routine. Floor is for both men and women.

The rings are used only by men. Gymnasts need great upper body strength for the rings. Only the gymnast’s hands may touch the apparatus (rings). There are three basic positions the hang position, the front position, and front and back support positions, and the controlled body swing.

The vault is used by both men and women. It is the shortest event only lasting seconds. A run-up of 50 to 82 feet is used to gain speed. Then, the gymnast jumps onto the springboard to gain height. Many different tricks can be done on the vault.

The pommel horse is similar to the vault, but it has two handles, called pommels, on the top. The pommel horse is only used by men. The routine lasts around 25 seconds. There are three support positions front, straddle, and back. The pommel horse is a great test of skill and strength.