What is the beam in gym?

A beam in gymnastics is a long, elevated piece of equipment on which gymnasts perform acrobatic routines. It is typically made of wood or metal, and is usually about 10 feet (3 meters) high. The beam is narrow, measuring only 4 inches (10 cm) wide. This makes it difficult for gymnasts to balance on, and requires a great deal of skill and concentration.

Gymnasts perform a variety of moves on the beam, including jumps, leaps, turns, and flips. They must also often combine these moves into longer, more complex sequences. The routines are judged on several criteria, such as difficulty, execution, and artistry.

The beam is one of the four events in women's gymnastics, along with the floor exercise, vault, and uneven bars. It is also used in artistic gymnastics, a sport which includes both male and female gymnasts.