Abstract: Similar paired exercise hand weights provide one hand weight of the pair with a self-defense spray dispensing container carried therein. Each hand weight provides an elongate tubular body having enlarged end portions and defining an internal channel to optionally contain a self-defense spray container and weights. Annular bands encircling the upper and lower portions of the cylindrical body fasten the end portions of an elastic fastening band that stretches over the body for positioning over the back of a user's hand to aid positional maintenance of the weight on the hand. A resilient covering about the cylindrical body provides an improved gripping surface and greater comfort for gripping. Each hand weight has at least one removable end cap for access to the body channel and the hand weight that embodies a self-defense spray container has a removable end cap that defines a passageway for the operative mechanism of a defense spray container and an orifice for exit of self-defense spray.