The balance beam is an event only competed by women in gymnastics. There is no music, and a beam routine must be 70-90 seconds long. The balance beam is about 16 1/2 feet long, and about 10 centimeters wide. It is about 4 feet from the floor. Some beams are made out of wood, but some are also made out of aluminum. There is a rubberized material under the top layer of the beam, to make it easier and less painful to land on when doing a skill involving flight. A gymnast's routine on beam must consist of difficult skills and dance movements. A gymnast is marked on how elegant she is, and how she puts all her moves together.

Beam!