Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus

Each event in artistic gymnastics uses a different apparatus. The purpose of these devices is to aid the competitor in performing the various feats of physical prowess. In men’s competition they use a slightly different set of apparatus than women’s. Probably the most recognized of these are the balance beam and uneven bar. Both are events for women. Other apparatus used in artistic gymnastics are the rings, high bar, parallel bar, pommel horse and springboard.

In the vault event a springboard and pommel horse with handles removed are used to allow the competitor to perform various tumbles and twists while in the air. The vaulting horse was changed to a vaulting table after 2000 since there had been injuries caused because of its design. During the women’s competition it was also set to the incorrect height. The table is wider, longer, and springier allowing the gymnast to achieve more height in their vaults. There also used to be a vaulting-buck which was smaller and more square than the vaulting horse.

The high bar, uneven bars and parallel bars are each similar in appearance. Originally the uneven bars were a set of parallel bars with one set higher than the other. Consequently the uneven bars were set very close together. The high bar appears similar but is more often made of metal, usually steel, where the parallel bars are made of wood, plastic, or composites.

In men’s gymnastics the rings is an event of strength. Many routines will include two feats of strength. The most famous strength skill is known as the “iron cross” and involves the gymnast extending his arms straight out from his body and holding for at least two seconds. The pommel horse is now made of various materials but was traditionally a metal frame with a wood body. A pommel horse routine will involve both single and double-leg work on various parts of the apparatus.

Traditionally the balance beam is a woman’s event and there are myths as to why, but the advent of this apparatus coincides with the inclusion of women’s artistic gymnastics in the Olympics. In some schools with only a girl’s gymnastics team a male who wishes to participate will compete in all events with success. This shows that the women’s traditional events are just that: traditional. In the future, as men become more involved with women’s gymnastics teams there may be more crossover in events and possibly the balance beam and uneven bars could be added to the men’s bracket.