Apparatus Description

Gymnastics is a sport involving the performance of exercises requiring physical strength, flexibility, agility, co-ordination, balance and grace. Men's Gymnastics is composed of six apparatus, each very unique for the other. Below is a brief description of each. Click on the images below to enlarge and also to see more.

Floor Exercise

The floor exercise is pure acrobatics, alternating between dynamic tumbling skills, and balance and strength elements. Top gymnast incorporate tumbling passes with multiple twisting and flipping. The gymnast endeavours to display virtuous rebound height, whilst connecting the elements of their routine with gymnastic artistry. The whole routine must not exceed 70 seconds in length.

Pommel Horse

Routines on the pommel horse are characterised by circular movements of the body with legs together (circles) and pendulous swings with the legs separated (scissors). Each skill is defined by complex hand placements. Throughout the routine the gymnast performs smooth combinations of these movements, turning and travelling along the horse.

Rings

The rings are known for its difficulty of strength and swinging elements. The free moving quality of the rings makes it difficult to remain stationary during held elements. The gymnast should demonstrate control, strength and balance in the presentation of forward and backward swings and strength holds parts. The gymnast's dismount allows him to show his aerial abilities prior to landing.

Vault

During their twenty-five meter approach to the vault table, the gymnast must develop the necessary power to complete all their aerial skills before landing. Upon take-off from the board the gymnast explosively propels himself upwards, dynamically pushing off the table to generate greater height into the flight phase. This enables a higher level of acrobatic skill and extension to be performed prior to landing.

Parallel Bars

A parallel bar routine consists mostly of swinging and flight elements. The gymnast is required to execute swinging elements from a support, hang and upper arm position. The gymnast's routine ends in a dramatic dismount off the side of the bars.

Horizontal Bar

Usually the most spectacular of all the apparatus, this routine is based on swinging parts without stops, and includes extended forward and backward giant swings, combined with near bar elements, changes of direction, as well as the release and re-grasp movements. The routine concludes with a soaring dismount with multiple rotations and twists.

Courtesy of Gymnastics Australia, refer to their website for more information.