Athletic apparatus and method of use

Abstract

An athletic apparatus has a resilient ball and a pair of elongate weights. The athletic apparatus enables an large number of different exercises and stretching activities because the athletic apparatus can adapt to three different configurations. The resilient ball of the athletic apparatus is functional as a medicine ball when neither of the pair of elongate weights are attached thereto. With one of the pair of elongate weights attached, the athletic apparatus allows various functional exercises such as rowing, shoveling, and hammering, as well as training for golf and tennis. Fully assembled with both of the pair of elongate weights, the athletic apparatus enables another plurality of exercise and stretching exercises.

Description

1. This application for a utility patent is a continuation-in-part of a previously filed utility patent having the application Ser. No. 09/275,720, filed Mar. 24, 1999, and claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/110,826, filed Dec. 2, 1998.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

2. 1. Field of the Invention

3. This invention relates generally to athletic equipment, and more particularly to a resilient ball having one or two attachable elongate weights, the attachable elongate weights enabling a plurality of additional exercises.

4. 2. Description of Related Art

5. The prior art teaches various devices that are structurally similar to the present invention, but used for different purposes. Irving, U.S. Pat. No. 2,941,219, teaches a swim ball constructed of rubber or synthetic rubber. The ball includes a pair of cups shaped to receive wooden paddles. While the swim ball appears similar to the present invention, the wooden paddles are not equivalent to the elongate weights of the present invention, and do not allow the proper function of the device as an exercise tool.

6. Alonzo, U.S. Pat. No. 5,114,371, teaches a similar flotation ball having a cylinder through the center of the ball. The flotation ball includes a rod that fits through the cylinder, and a pair of paddles that removably attach to either end of the rod. Once again, while the flotation ball appears similar, the unitary construction of the rod does not allow the attachment or removal of a separate pair of elongate weights, as provided by the present invention.

7. Byrd, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,447, teaches a jogger's rod having a rigid, hollow body having a pair of detachable plastic handles. While the rod is similar in appearance, the body is rigid rather than resilient and the handles are lightweight plastic rather than heavy elongate weights.

8. The prior art contains a variety of exercise devices, including medicine balls, free-weights, and dumb bells. Simple medicine balls are well known in the prior art; however, none of these references disclose the attachment of elongate weights of any sort to these exercise devices. Gilman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,438, for example, discloses a medicine ball having a rigid core surrounded by an outer layer of foamed polyurethane. Gilman does not disclose the attachment of elongate weights to the ball, nor does it teach that this would be a desirable feature.

9. Calvert, U.S. Pat. No. 1,316,683, Metzger, U.S. Pat. No. 560,517, and Schmidt, U.K. No. 2,333, disclose various embodiments of the traditional dumb bell. These references disclose two handle attachment ports. However, the dumb bells are constructed of steel rather than a resilient material. Furthermore, the handle connections are of entirely different construction. The first handle attachment port is designed to interconnect two dumb bells to form a traditional dumb bell. The second handle attachment port is designed only to facilitate transportation of the dumb bell. The references do not disclose a dumb bell with a resilient construction, nor do they disclose the attachment of two elongate weights to one bell for performing exercises.

10. An exercise bar having a weight mounted in the middle of the bar is taught by Poichek, U.S. Pat. No. 5,536,227, Lee, U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,256, and Burzenski, U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,906. The references do not disclose the use of a resilient ball as the central weight, nor do they teach the desirability of attaching such a ball. Furthermore, none of these references disclose an attachment means that would allow the device to be used with only one elongate weight, or with no elongate weights at all.

11. Another example of a novel piece of exercise equipment is disclosed in Fisher, U.S. Pat. No. 259,752, which discloses an exercise club that enables a variety of novel exercises. This reference discloses the attachment of handles to a centrally located weight device; however, it does not disclose the use of a resilient ball as the central weight, nor does it teach the desirability of making this novel combination.

12. Various additional exercise devices are shown in the prior art. Alastalo, U.S. Pat. No. 1,536,048, discloses a rigid hand bar for physical training. The hand bar is modular, thereby allowing the user to modify the bar to his or her particular exercise. Panagos, U.S. Pat. No. 5,171,199, discloses interlocking dumb bells. Various additional patents have been granted for more unusual exercise devices. Donato, U.S. Pat. No. 3,468,534, for example, discloses an exercise bar with revolvable arms; and Dantolan, U.S. Pat. No. 5,334,118, discloses a reciprocating weight exercise device.

13. The prior art teaches various swim balls having paddles; the prior art teaches a jogger's rod constructed of rigid and lightweight plastic; the prior art teaches medicine balls; and the prior art teaches exercise bars with the weights mounted on the middle of the bar; and the prior art also teaches an exercise club. However, the prior art does not teach an exercise apparatus having a resilient ball having a pair of elongate weights that can be removably attached to the resilient ball for use in various exercises and training methods. The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further related advantages as described in the following summary.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

14. The present invention teaches certain benefits in construction and use which give rise to the objectives described below.

15. The present invention provides an athletic apparatus having a resilient ball and a pair of attachable elongate weights. The athletic apparatus enables an large number of different exercises and stretching activities because the athletic apparatus can adapt to three different configurations. The resilient ball of the athletic apparatus is functional as a medicine ball when neither of the pair of elongate weights are attached thereto. With one of the pair of elongate weights attached, the athletic apparatus allows various functional exercises such as rowing, shoveling, and hammering, as well as training for golf and tennis. Fully assembled with both of the pair of elongate weights, the athletic apparatus enables another plurality of exercise and stretching exercises.

16. A primary objective of the present invention is to provide an athletic apparatus having advantages not taught by the prior art.

17. Another objective is to provide an athletic apparatus that enables a great number of exercises through its capability to quickly and easily add or remove one or two attachable elongate weights.

18. A further objective is to provide an athletic apparatus that can be easily adapted to provide a range of weights for varying degrees of resistance while performing the various exercises and stretching activities.

19. Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

20. The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention. In such drawings:

21. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an athletic apparatus including a resilient ball and a pair of elongate weights;

22. FIG. 2 is a sectional view thereof taken along line 2-2 in FIG. 1, the view illustrating how one of the pair of elongate weights is inserted into or removed from a cylinder within the resilient ball;

23. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a first alternative embodiment of the athletic apparatus in which one of the pair of elongate weights is removed from the resilient ball and the other includes a tennis racket handle;

24. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of the athletic apparatus in which one of the pair of elongate weights is removed from the resilient ball and the other includes a golf club handle;

25. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of a third alternative embodiment of the athletic apparatus in which the pair of elongate weights threadedly engage one another within the cylinder of the resilient ball;

26. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a user practicing a tennis swing using the first alternative embodiment;

27. FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a user practicing a golf swing using the second alternative embodiment;

28. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the athletic apparatus being used in a reaching pivot-stretch shovel exercise;

29. FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the athletic apparatus being used in a shovel exercise; and

30. FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the athletic apparatus being used in a resistance lateral leg lift exercise.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

31. The above described drawing figures illustrate the invention, an athletic apparatus 10 having a resilient ball 20 and a pair of elongate weights 30 that can be attached to the resilient ball 20. The athletic apparatus 10 enables an large number of different exercises and stretching activities because athletic apparatus 10 can adapt to three different configurations. The resilient ball 20 of athletic apparatus 10 is functional as a medicine ball when neither of the pair of elongate weights 30 are attached thereto. With one of the pair of elongate weights 30 attached, the athletic apparatus 10 allows various functional exercises such as rowing, shoveling, and hammering, as well as training for golf and tennis, as described below. Fully assembled with both of the pair of elongate weights 30, the athletic apparatus 10 enables another plurality of exercise and stretching exercises, also described below.

32. As shown in FIG. 1, the resilient ball 20 is constructed of a heavy yet pliant material such as rubber, synthetic rubber, or similar rubber-like material. While the resilient ball 20 is referred to as a ball, it is possible for the resilient ball 20 to be many shapes and sizes, depending on the needs of the user. In its preferred embodiment, the resilient ball 20 is a molded rubber sphere because this shape provides a surface that is comfortable to work with and also facilitates some of the preferred exercises. Furthermore, the resilient ball 20 is useful in stretching activities because the smooth shape and resilient feel of the resilient ball 20 allow for various stretches in which the resilient ball 20 contacts the user's body.

33. The thickness of the resilient ball 20 is modified to control the weight of the resilient ball 20. In lighter embodiments, the resilient ball 20 has a thinner skin; and in heavier embodiments, the resilient ball 20 has a thicker skin. The weight of the resilient ball 20 can also be modified by changing the overall diameter of the resilient ball 20; and the weight can be modified by inserting mass into the interior of the molded rubber sphere, as described below. In the preferred embodiment, the resilient ball 20 has a diameter of approximately 9 inches. Another alternative embodiment is disclosed in Gilman, U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,438, hereby incorporated by reference in full.

34. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in one embodiment, the resilient ball 20 includes an internal chamber 21 that is useful for receiving a liquid such as water for modifying the weight of he resilient ball 20. The internal chamber 21 is preferably filled with compressed air. The compressed air biases the resilient ball 20 outward, making the resilient ball 20 feel springy and firm. To add weight to the resilient ball 20, a liquid is poured into the internal chamber 21, thereby increasing the mass of the resilient ball 20. The resilient ball 20 includes a liquid receiving aperture 24 shaped to allow the liquid to be poured into the internal chamber 21 of the resilient ball 20. In this embodiment, the athletic apparatus 10 further includes a plug 26 shaped to fit within and engage a perimeter 25 of the liquid receiving aperture 24 to seal the internal chamber 21 and prevent the liquid from escaping the internal chamber 21. Once the resilient ball 20 has been opened, and the integrity of the internal chamber 21 has been compromised, it is necessary to pump air back into the internal chamber 21 so retain the preferred inflated look and feel. For this purpose, the resilient ball 20 includes a fluid injection aperture 27 through the resilient ball 20, the fluid injection aperture 27 being sealed with a fluid injection valve 28. In use, the user simply uses an air pump, with a standard needle well known in the art, to inflate the resilient ball 20 in much the same manner as an ordinary ball or bicycle tire. The combination of the liquid receiving aperture 24, the fluid injection aperture 27, and the fluid injection valve 28 allows the resilient ball 20 to be adjusted to many different weights while still maintaining an inflated look and feel of the resilient ball 20.

35. As shown in FIGS. 1-5, each of the pair of elongate weights 30 has a locking end 32 and an extending end 34. The locking end 32 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30 is shaped to engage a cylinder 22 mounted within the resilient ball 20, as described below. The extending end 34 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30 includes a cylindrical sidewall having a predetermined length and a constant diameter along the entirety of the predetermined length without protrusions. It is critical that the extending end 34 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30 not have protrusions because a smooth cylindrical profile is required for many of the exercises. Protrusions such as paddle blades interfere with many exercise routines, some of which are described below. The extending end 34 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30 is preferably a hollow tube; however, in an alternative embodiment, the extending end 34 is solid.

36. In the preferred embodiment, the extending end 34 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30 is constructed of a material having a density of equal to or greater than steel. This is an important feature because each of the pair of elongate weights 30 must have adequate mass within their predetermined length and cross sectional diameter to function as weights for proper exercise. The extending end 34 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30 is preferably covered with a resilient gripping layer 36 made of foam or similar gripping material known in the art.

37. As shown in FIG. 2, the cylinder 22 is fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball 20 and extends across a diameter of the resilient ball 20. The cylinder 22 has a first end 22A and a second end 22B, the first and second ends 22A and 22B being shaped to receive the locking end 32 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30. The resilient ball 20 is molded, cemented, or otherwise sealed around the cylinder 22 to secure the cylinder 22 in place. The cylinder 22 must be strong and durable enough to hold in place each of the pair of elongate weights 30 during use, and the cylinder 22 is preferably made of a rigid material such as steel or hard plastic.

38. The cylinder 22 and the locking end 32 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30 together include a means for removably attaching each of the pair of elongate weights 30 within the cylinder, whereby each of the pair of elongate weights 30 may be removably joined to the resilient ball 20. As shown in FIGS. 2-5, the means for removably attaching preferably includes a spring 40 positioned within the locking end 32 of each of the pair of elongate weights 30. The spring 40 includes a locking portion 42 and an unlocking button 44. The spring 40 biases the locking portion 42 and the unlocking button 44 through a pair of attachment conduits 34 in the locking end 32 of each of each of the pair of elongate weights 30. A locking slot 23 located in the first and second ends 22A and 22B of the cylinder 22 cooperates with the locking portion 42 to removably lock the locking end 32 within the cylinder 22. As shown in FIG. 2, when the locking portion 42 is properly engaged within the locking slot 23, the unlocking button 44 is positioned outside the cylinder 22. The user can retract the locking portion 42 from the locking slot 23 by depressing the unlocking button 44, thereby overcoming the bias of the spring 40 and causing the locking portion 42 to be retracted into the locking end 32.

39. The means for removably attaching can be modified by those skilled in the art without avoiding the scope of the present invention. In one alternative embodiment, the locking end 32 of each of the elongate weights 30 threadedly engages the cylinder 22, similar to the engagement mechanism disclosed in Byrd, U.S. Pat. No. 4,610,447, hereby incorporated by reference. In another alternative embodiment, the locking end 32 of each of the elongate weights 30 frictionally fits inside the cylinder 22 similar to the engagement mechanism disclosed in Irving, U.S. Pat. No. 2,941,219, hereby incorporated by reference. The prior art is filled with various locking mechanisms that may be adapted to this invention, and those skilled in the art can devise many other embodiments that should be considered equivalent to this invention.

40. In an alternative embodiment, shown in FIG. 5, the means for removably attaching does not directly attach the pair of elongate weights 30 to the resilient ball 20, but attaches the pair of elongate weights 30 to each other through the cylinder of the resilient ball 20. In this embodiment, the pair of elongate weights 30 includes a first elongate weight 50 and a second elongate weight 60. The first elongate weight 50 has a first locking end 52 and a first extending end 54, the first locking end 52 having an externally threaded portion 56. The second elongate weight 60 has a second locking end 62 and a second extending end 64, the second locking end 62 having an internally threaded portion 66 shaped to threadedly receive the externally threaded portion 56 of the first locking end 52. The first and second locking ends 52 and 62, together, are approximately the same length of the cylinder 22, such that when the first and second locking ends 52 and 62 are threadedly engaged, the first and second locking ends 52 and 62 are positioned within the cylinder 22 and the first and second extending ends 56 and 66 extend from the first and second ends 22A and 22B of the cylinder 22. In this alternative embodiment, each of the pair of elongate weights 30 preferably further includes a first flange 58 separating the first locking end 52 from the first extending end 56, and a second flange 68 separating the second locking end 62 from the second extending end 66. The first and second flanges 58 and 68 have a greater diameter than the diameter of the first and second ends 22A and 22B of the cylinder 22, thereby serving to prevent lateral movement of the pair of elongate weights 30 and to correctly position the pair of elongate weights 30 with respect to the cylinder 22 of the resilient ball 20. While this embodiment does not allow for the attachment of a single one of the pair of elongate weights 30, it does allow the pair of elongate weights 30 to rotate within the cylinder 22, a feature that can be beneficial in the performance of certain exercises.

41. In use, the user starts with the resilient ball 20 alone. The resilient ball 20, alone, is useful for performing exercises typically performed using a medicine ball. The resilient ball 20 can be thrown, tossed from hand to hand for coordination exercises, and otherwise used as a weight training device. Since the resilient ball 20 is relatively soft and resilient, it can be used in direct contact with the user's body as a motion limitation device and as a stretching tool. Those skilled in the art are familiar with how to use the resilient ball 20 for these types of exercises.

42. To perform certain additional types of exercises, the user then attaches one of the pair of elongate weights 30 to the resilient ball 20. To accomplish this connection, as shown in FIG. 2, the user depresses the unlocking button 44 and slides the locking end 32 of one of the pair of elongate weights 30 into the cylinder 22. The user then releases the unlocking button 44, allowing the spring 40 to bias the locking portion 42 into the locking slot 23 of the cylinder 22. Once one of the pair of elongate weights 30 has been attached the user can perform the various exercises.

43. As shown in FIG. 9, one example of an exercise that can be performed using the athletic apparatus 10 in this configuration is the shovel exercise. The shovel exercise includes a set up, a descent, and an ascent. The set up includes the following steps: (1) position the feet approximately a shoulder's width apart; (2) stand up straight; (3) hold the resilient ball 20 with an underhand grip about a shoulder's width apart; (4) look head straight ahead, shoulders square, lower back slightly arched, arms and legs slightly flexed. The descent includes the following steps: (1) flex the knees to 120 degrees and flex the hips to 160 degrees while keeping the feet flat and slightly externally rotated; (2) flex spine slightly to approximately 160 degrees; (3) at the lowest part of descent, flex triceps and extend arm outward; (4) flex the trunk laterally and dip the lead shoulder; and (5) maintain the lower back stable and slightly arched, without rounding the upper back for compensation. The ascent includes the following steps: (1) extend the knees back to 180 degrees and extend the hips to the starting position; (2) extend the lower back to the neutral position, slightly arched; (3) once the knees and the hips are fully extended, flex the arms and extend them outward; and (4) contract the abdominal muscles in a smooth and circular motion through the entire range of motion. The purpose of the shovel exercise is to simulate the outdoor movement of shoveling snow. The muscle groups trained include the following: quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus, erector spanea, latitimus dorsi, abdominal muscles, and biceps.

44. As shown in FIG. 6, the athletic apparatus 10 can also be used to train for tennis using a first alternative embodiment of the athletic apparatus 10. In the first alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, only one of the pair of elongate weights 30 is attached to the resilient ball 20, and this elongate weight provides a tennis racket handle 70 as an integral part of the extending end of the elongate weight. The tennis racket handle 70 is covered with a resilient gripping layer 36 similar to ordinary tennis rackets known in the prior art. In use, the user grasps the tennis racket handle 70 of the elongate weight with a hand, or with both hands, and swings the resilient ball 20 and tennis racket handle 70 in a fashion similar to a tennis racket. The user receives an excellent workout of exactly the right muscle groups, and the workout is intensified because the athletic apparatus 10 provides greater resistance than an ordinary tennis racket, which is specifically designed to be as light as possible.

45. As shown in FIG. 7, the athletic apparatus 10 can also be used to train for golf using a second alternative embodiment of the athletic apparatus 10. In the second alternative embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, only one of the pair of elongate weights 30 is attached to the resilient ball 20, and this elongate weight provides a golf club handle 72 as an integral part of the extending end 34 of the elongate weight. The golf club handle 72 is covered with a resilient gripping layer 36 similar to ordinary golf clubs known in the prior art. In use, the user grasps the golf club handle 72 of the elongate weight with both hands and swings the resilient ball 20 and golf club handle 72 in a fashion similar to a golf club. The user receives an excellent workout of exactly the right muscle groups; and, as with the tennis racket, receives the benefit of the increased resistance of the athletic apparatus 10.

46. The user can proceed to attach the locking end 32 of the second of the pair of elongate weights 30 into the other end of the cylinder, thereby providing the resilient ball 20 with both of the pair of elongate weights 30, as shown in FIG. 1. In this configuration, the athletic apparatus 10 is useful for a plurality of additional exercises. An exercise bar having the weighted mass mounted on the middle of the bar provides advantages over traditional exercise bars having the mass mounted on the ends of the exercise bar. These advantages are discussed in Lee, U.S. Pat. No. 4,828,256, hereby incorporated by reference in full. By providing a round mass on the center of the exercise bar, you enable further training, exercising, and stretching activities because a round apparatus 10 can easily roll while in use. This is discussed in more detail in Burzenski, U.S. Pat. No. 3,403,906, hereby incorporated by reference in full.

47. As shown in FIG. 8, one example of an exercise that can be performed when the athletic apparatus 10 is thus configured is a reaching pivot-stretch the user grasping one of the pair of elongate weights 30 with an outstretched hand while resting the other of the pair of elongate weights 30 on the ground. By stepping forward and back, the user is able to pivot the athletic apparatus 10 up and down. This not only exercises the muscles, it also assists in safely and efficiently stretching back, arm and leg muscles. An additional exercise includes push ups using the athletic apparatus 10, the resilient ball 20 acting as a range limiter.

48. As shown in FIG. 10, another example of an exercise that can be performed when the athletic apparatus 10 is thus configured is a resistance lateral leg lift. To perform the resistance lateral leg lift, the user first grasps one of the pair of elongate weights 30 with a hand while lying on one side, and resting the other of the pair of elongate weights 30 on an ankle. The user then raises and lowers the resilient ball 20 by simultaneously raising and lowering both the arm and the leg. Direct contact between the athletic apparatus 10 and the user is not a problem because of the relatively soft and resilient nature of the resilient ball 20. This exercise cannot be performed using a traditional medicine ball, however, because a medicine ball does not provide the pair of elongate weights 30.

49. Since the user can hold the apparatus 10 by either the resilient ball 20 or either of the pair of elongate weights 30, the apparatus 10 is well suited for various tossing and throwing exercises that improve strength, reaction time, and hand-eye coordination. The tossing exercises can be performed alone or between different users. Individuals can practice martial arts moves with the device, and groups can practice martial arts kicks using the resilient ball 20 as the target. By manipulating the resilient ball 20 or one of the elongate weights 30, a personal trainer can guide the physical training with ease, as well as apply manual resistance to increase the difficulty of the exercises being performed.

50. While the invention has been described with reference to at least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto. Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in conjunction with the appended claims.

Claims

1. An athletic apparatus comprising:

a resilient ball;

a pair of elongate weights, each of the pair of elongate weights having a locking end and an extending end, the extending end of each of the pair of elongate weights includes a cylindrical sidewall having a predetermined length and a constant diameter along the entirety of the predetermined length without protrusions;

a cylinder fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball and extending at least partially across a diameter thereof, the cylinder having a first end and a second end, the first and second ends being shaped to receive the locking end of each of the pair of elongate weights; and

a means for removably attaching each of the pair of elongate weights within the cylinder, whereby each of the pair of elongate weights may be removably joined to the resilient ball.

2. The apparatus of

claim 1 wherein the extending end of each of the pair of elongate weights is covered with a resilient gripping layer.

3. The apparatus of

claim 1 wherein the cylindrical sidewall of the extending end of each of the pair of elongate weights is constructed of a material having a density of equal to or greater than steel.

4. The apparatus of

claim 1 further comprising:

an internal chamber within the resilient ball;

a liquid receiving aperture through the resilient ball, the liquid receiving aperture being shaped to allow liquid to be poured into the internal chamber of the resilient ball;

a plug shaped to fit within and engage a perimeter of the liquid receiving aperture to seal the internal chamber; and

a fluid injection aperture through the resilient ball, the fluid injection aperture being sealed with a fluid injection valve.

5. An athletic apparatus comprising:

a resilient ball;

an elongate weight having a locking end and an extending end;

a cylinder fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball and extending at least partially across a diameter thereof, the cylinder having a first end shaped to receive the locking end of the elongate weight;

a means for removably attaching the locking end of the elongate weight within the cylinder, whereby the elongate weight may be removably joined to the resilient ball; and

a tennis racket handle extending from the extending end of the elongate weight, the tennis racket handle being covered with a resilient gripping layer.

6. An athletic apparatus comprising:

a resilient ball;

an elongate weight having a locking end and an extending end;

a cylinder fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball and extending at least partially across a diameter thereof, the cylinder having a first end shaped to receive the locking end of the elongate weight;

a means for removably attaching the locking end of the elongate weight within the cylinder, whereby the elongate weight may be removably joined to the resilient ball; and

a golf club handle extending from the extending end of the elongate weight, the golf club handle being covered with a resilient gripping layer.

7. An athletic apparatus comprising:

a resilient ball;

a cylinder fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball and extending across a diameter thereof,

a first elongate weight having a first locking end and a first extending end, the first locking end having an externally threaded portion;

a second elongate weight having a second locking end and a second extending end, the second locking end having an internally threaded portion shaped to threadedly receive the externally threaded portion of the first locking end; and

the first and second locking ends, together, being of approximately the same length of the cylinder, such that when the first and second locking ends are threadedly engaged within the cylinder, the first and second locking ends are positioned within the cylinder and the first and second extending ends extend from opposing ends of the cylinder.

8. The apparatus of

claim 7 further comprising:

a first flange separating the first locking end from the first extending end; and

a second flange separating the second locking end from the second extending end,

the first and second flanges being larger than an internal diameter of each of the opposing ends of the cylinder.

9. The apparatus of

claim 7 further comprising:

an internal chamber within the resilient ball;

a liquid receiving aperture through the resilient outer skin of the resilient ball, the liquid receiving aperture being shaped to allow liquid to be poured into the internal chamber of the resilient ball;

a plug shaped to fit within and engage a perimeter of the liquid receiving aperture to seal the internal chamber; and

a fluid injection aperture through the resilient outer skin of the resilient ball, the fluid injection aperture being sealed with a fluid injection valve.

10. A method for exercising with an athletic apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a resilient ball having a cylinder fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball and extending across a diameter thereof,

b) providing a pair of elongate weights, each of the pair of elongate weights having a locking end and an extending end, the locking end having a means for removably engaging the cylinder;

c) inserting the locking ends of each of the pair of elongate weights into either end of the cylinder;

d) grasping one of the pair of elongate weights with a hand while lying on one side, and resting the other of the pair of elongate weights on an ankle; and

e) raising and lowering the resilient ball by raising and lowering both the arm and the leg.

11. A method for exercising with an athletic apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a resilient ball having a cylinder fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball and extending across a diameter thereof;

b) providing a pair of elongate weights, each of the pair of elongate weights having a locking end and an extending end, the locking end having a means for removably engaging the cylinder;

c) inserting the locking ends of each of the pair of elongate weights into either end of the cylinder;

d) grasping one of the pair of elongate weights with a hand while resting the other of the pair of elongate weights on the ground; and

e) pivoting the resilient ball up and down by stepping forward and back.

12. A method for exercising with an athletic apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

a) providing a resilient ball having a cylinder fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball and extending across a diameter thereof;

b) providing an elongate weight, each of the pair of elongate weights having a locking end and an extending end, the locking end having a means for removably engaging the cylinder, the extending end having a tennis racket handle covered with a resilient gripping layer;

c) inserting the locking end of the elongate weight into the cylinder, thereby locking the locking end within the cylinder with the means for removably engaging the cylinder;

d) grasping the tennis racket handle of the elongate weight with a hand; and

e) swinging the resilient ball and tennis racket handle in a fashion similar to a tennis racket.

13. A method for exercising with an athletic apparatus, the method comprising the steps of:

f) providing a resilient ball having a cylinder fixedly and immobily engaged within the resilient ball and extending across a diameter thereof,

g) providing an elongate weight, each of the pair of elongate weights having a locking end and an extending end, the locking end having a means for removably engaging the cylinder, the extending end having a golf club handle being covered with a resilient gripping layer;

h) inserting the locking end of the elongate weight into the cylinder, thereby locking the locking end within the cylinder with the means for removably engaging the cylinder;

i) grasping the golf club handle of the elongate weight with both hands; and

j) swinging the golf club handle and the resilient ball in a fashion similar swinging a golf club.