floor exerciseArticle Free Pass floor exercise, gymnastics event
in which movements are performed on the floor in an area 12
metres (40 feet) square. This area is covered by some type of
cloth or mat, usually with some cushioning. No other apparatus
is used. Men’s routines are 50 to 70 seconds in duration. The
type of exercise required is a series of movements combining
elements of flexibility, strength, jumps, holding of poses, and
balance, as well as other maneuvers. The whole routine must be
performed with rhythm and harmony, and the gymnast must move in
different directions, using a major portion of the allotted
area. The exercise usually starts and finishes with a series of
tumbling movements, such as a handspring or a cartwheel with a
half-turn (roundoff), continuing with handsprings and
somersaults (in the air), either backward or forward. Between
start and finish, balances are held on one leg, handstands are
achieved by placing the hands on the floor and kicking to a
standing position, and movements r