Gymnastics is a sport that requires strength, flexibility, balance, and an abundance of athleticism. The equipment used in gymnastics provides gymnasts with the apparatus necessary to perform gravity-defying skills and routines. From the floor exercise mat to the uneven bars, each piece of equipment allows gymnasts to leap, flip, and twist in unique ways. This article will provide an overview of the major pieces of equipment used in artistic gymnastics, including the floor, balance beam, vault table, and more. Understanding the purpose and use of each apparatus provides insight into the impressive abilities of gymnasts.
The Floor Exercise Mat
The floor exercise mat, or simply “floor,” is likely the most recognizable piece of equipment in gymnastics. Gymnasts perform tumbling passes and dance elements on a large mat that is typically around 40 feet by 40 feet. The springy surface allows gymnasts to gain height and control during tumbling. A variety of skills can be performed on floor, including jumps, leaps, flips, and turns. Famous skills on floor include the aerial cartwheel and multiple back handsprings into a double back flip. Female gymnasts perform choreographed routines to music on floor that require artistry and grace in addition to tumbling. The floor exercise tests a gymnast’s overall physical abilities.
The Balance Beam
As the name suggests, the balance beam is a narrow apparatus that tests a gymnast’s equilibrium and acrobatic skill. The beam is only 4 inches wide but can be up to 16 feet long. Staying on the beam requires incredible focus, balance, and spatial awareness. Gymnasts perform skills like leaps, jumps, and back handsprings on the beam. Famous beam skills include back walkovers and back tucks. Gymnasts may also incorporate dance and flexibility elements in their beam routine, such as leg holds and illusions. Falls off the beam result in point deductions. The beam is considered one of the most challenging apparatus in gymnastics.
Vault Table
Vault is the only event where gymnasts use apparatus to generate momentum for skills. Gymnasts sprint down a runway towards a vault table, place their hands on the table, and push off into a flip or twist in the air. They land on a mat on the other side. There are different types of vaults depending on the gymnast’s approach and skill performed. Some common vaults are the handspring, Tsukahara, and Yurchenko. The vault tests a gymnast’s speed, power, directional awareness, and ability to stick the landing.
The Uneven Bars
The uneven bars consist of a high bar and a low bar that are set at different heights and angles. Gymnasts transition between the bars, performing skills and releases that often incorporate multiple flips and twists. On bars, gymnasts regularly perform giants, pirouettes, and releases like Tkatchevs and Pak saltos. Bars requires exceptional upper body and grip strength. While the men’s bar exercises focus on swinging strength and transitions between bars, the women’s uneven bars highlight elegance and precision. It is one of the most exciting events to watch in gymnastics.
Still Rings and High Bar
Still rings and the high bar are apparatus only used in men’s gymnastics. Rings are suspended freely in the air and swing with the gymnast’s movements. The instability of the rings makes them incredibly challenging; gymnasts must maintain rigid holds and positions. Common skills include crosses, planches, and iron crosses. The high bar is similar to the uneven bars but at a greater height. Male gymnasts perform release skills and swinging elements like giants and Kovacs. Both rings and high bar demand immense strength and control.
| Apparatus | Size/Dimensions | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Balance Beam | 4 inches wide, up to 16 feet long | Tests balance and acrobatic skills |
| Floor Exercise Mat | Approximately 40 x 40 feet | Tests overall abilities with tumbling and dance |
| Vault Table | Varies | Generates momentum for vaulting skills |
| Uneven Bars | Low and high bar at different heights | Develops swinging and bar skills |
| Still Rings | Suspended rings | Tests strength and control |
| High Bar | Above gymnast’s head height | Enables release skills and swinging |
All in all, from bouncing on the floor to swinging on bars, gymnastics equipment enables athletes to push their physical limits. The unique design of each apparatus allows specialized skills to be performed. While all provide a platform for flips, twists, and jumps, they each have distinct purposes. Whether building balance on the beam or hurtling off the vault, gymnasts use the floor, bars, beam, rings, and table to create art in motion. The equipment provides the tools they need to leap across their sport.