EXERCISER

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention are directed toward apparatus for performing physical training exercises, comprising: a member comprising a length of tubing and including an exterior surface having a central longitudinal axis and defining at least two pairs of receivers, axially-spaced from one another; wherein each receiver is defined by a longitudinal axis and an aperture formed through the exterior surface of the member.

Description

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/439,452, filed May 14, 2009, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates generally to equipment for use in performing physical training exercises.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

It is known to exercise by lifting barbells or dumbbells, of the type consisting of annular metal plates fitted on a metal bar and secured in place by collars having set screws for engaging the bar. It is not uncommon for the collars to become loose, in which case, the plates can slip from the bar unless the bar is maintained in a horizontal position. As this could result in severe physical injury, weights of this type are typically only used in exercises wherein the bar can be maintained in a horizontal position, which is relatively limiting. Typically, exercise equipment (including barbells dumbbells, cables etc.) involve loading the body in linear patterns. Such items are not usually designed specifically to deal with 3-D (multiplanar) movement.

The hard surfaces of dumbbells and barbells also pose problems for fitness centers, since persons using same are prone to allowing same to come to rest on the floor in a less than gentle manner. This is typically resolved through the use of cushioned floor surfaces in areas of gymnasiums and fitness centers reserved for dumbbell and barbell exercising. Notwithstanding the aforementioned limited usefulness of barbells and dumbbells of this type, and the practical need for specialized floor coverings, barbells and dumbbells are ubiquitous in the exercise industry, as they are highly durable and relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to equipment for use in performing physical training exercises. Embodiments of the invention are directed toward an apparatus designed in a simple manner to load movements of function that can transfer to life, sport and occupation. The apparatus is safe if dropped and is designed to be lifted, shifted, carried, flipped, dragged, rolled, tilted and much more in accordance with functional training.

One embodiment of the invention involves an apparatus for use by a person performing physical training exercises. This apparatus comprises a member having a substantially tubular exterior surface. The exterior surface has a central longitudinal axis and defines one or more receivers. This design offers advantages in the way the mass loads the body. The one or more receivers may comprise a pair of receivers, axially-spaced from one another. This allows for many different holds which can asymmetrically load the body. For each receiver, a handle for the apparatus may be provided, the handle being positioned in each receiver. Each handle is defined by a length of material connected to the member. Each receiver is defined by an aperture formed through the exterior surface. Further embodiments feature a member having no receivers.

The member can be elastomeric (allows it to be dropped), plastic (cheaper to ship, waterproof), any type of plastic derivative or recycled plastic (cheaper, green), any hydrocarbon material such as nylon, rubber or rubber derivatives, steel (weighting agent), aluminum (cheap weighting agent), foam or foam derivatives (cheaper to ship), fiberglass (strength and resilience for more ballistic movements), leather (comfort), imitation leather, vinyl (cheap), carbon fiber (strength & resilience, improved hydrodynamics in water), PVC (cheap to ship, light, waterproof), mesh lining (strength and resilience), wood/bamboo (renewable, floats when used in water), imitation wood, any combination, hybrid or blend of these materials, and/or any other suitable material.

In one embodiment of the invention, the member is formed from a tube. The member can be elastomeric or any other suitable material or combination of materials. In some cases, each handle and the receiver for which it is provided are formed by removing portions of the tube longitudinally-flanking each handle. In other cases, the member may be formed by injection molding, mandrel wrapping, extrusion or roto-molding.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to an apparatus for use by a person performing physical training exercises. This apparatus comprises a tubular member having a substantially tubular exterior surface, the surface having a central longitudinal axis and defining two or more receivers. In one embodiment, the two or more receivers includes a pair of receivers, axially-spaced from one another about the distance between the shoulders of the person. For each receiver, a handle for the apparatus is provided, the handle being positioned in each receiver. Each handle is defined by a length of material connected to the member. Each receiver is defined by an aperture formed through the tubular member. The tubular member can be rubber or any other suitable material or combination of materials.

The various apparatus described herein can be safely used in a wide variety of exercises, are durable, relatively inexpensive to manufacture and are unlikely to chip or dent a floor if dropped thereupon when made of rubber or other elastomeric materials.

Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by way of example, the features in accordance with embodiments of the invention. The summary is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined solely by the claims attached hereto.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention, in accordance with one or more various embodiments, is described in detail with reference to the following figures. The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only and merely depict typical or example embodiments of the invention. These drawings are provided to facilitate the reader's understanding of the invention and shall not be considered limiting of the breadth, scope, or applicability of the invention. It should be noted that for clarity and ease of illustration these drawings are not necessarily made to scale.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exerciser apparatus constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the structure of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a set of exercisers of the type shown in FIG. 1, but of differing dimensions and masses;

FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 1 of an exerciser apparatus constructed according to an alternate embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a first exemplary use;

FIG. 6 is a view o he apparatus of FIG. 1 in a second exemplary use;

FIG. 7 is a view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in a third exemplary use.

FIGS. 8A-8G are views of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in additional exemplary uses;

FIGS. 9A-9F illustrate further embodiments of the exerciser apparatus illustrating various alternative forms that the invention may take; and

FIGS. 10A-10G illustrate further alternative embodiments of the exerciser apparatus illustrating various alternative forms that the invention may take.

The figures are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It should be understood that the invention can be practiced with modification and alteration, and that the invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed toward an exerciser apparatus. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 2, in front and rear perspective view, respectively, and designated with general reference numeral 10.

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an exerciser apparatus constructed according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention. The apparatus 10 is shaped to allow authentic loading, asymmetrical loading and leverage to create functional biomechanical adaptations). This apparatus 10 comprises a substantially tubular and cylindrical member 20 that may be formed out of an elastomer, namely, neoprene rubber. The member 20 may also comprise plastic, any type of plastic derivative or recycled plastic, any hydrocarbon material such as nylon, rubber or rubber derivatives, steel, aluminum, foam or foam derivatives, fiberglass, carbon fiber, leather, imitation leather, vinyl, PVC, mesh lining, wood/bamboo, imitation wood, any combination, hybrid or blend of these materials, and/or any other suitable material.

The tubular member 20 illustrated is 4 feet in length, and has an outer diameter of 7.875 inches and an inner diameter of 6.5 inches. As would be appreciated by those of skill in the art, many different dimensions are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. In one embodiment, the weight of the member is about 35 lbs. In further embodiments, the weight of the member ranges from about 1 lb to about 200 lbs to allow for different physiological loads according skill or physical tolerance.

In the illustrated embodiment, member 20 has a substantially tubular, specifically, cylindrical, exterior surface 22 having a central longitudinal axis X-X. In further embodiments, the member may be in the form of a triangle, square, rectangle, or multi-sided such as hexagonal, octagonal, etc. By way of example, the member may be formed using square tubing, rectangular tubing, or triangular tubing. In additional embodiments, the member may be substantially solid such that it tolerates more robust or dynamic exercises such as impact drills, throwing or release drills, combat drills, etc. The member 20 has one or more receivers 24, 24, 26, each receiver in this embodiment being defined by a pair of radially-directed apertures A in the surface 22. The receivers include: a pair of receivers 24, 24, axially spaced from one another; and a central receiver 26, longitudinally-intermediate the pair of receivers 24, 24 and formed in the surface 22 opposite the pair 24,24. This allows for varying holds, symmetrical and asymmetrical, that bring about different physiological training effect. The surface 22 optionally has defined therein a pair of radially-directed end holes 28, adjacent an end 30 of the member 20.

The apparatus 10 further has a handle 34 for and positioned in each receiver 24,24,26, the handle in this embodiment being defined by a length of rubber material separating the apertures A, A of each receiver 24, 24,26 from one another and connected to the member 20 to form a smooth extension of the exterior surface 22. In the illustrated embodiment, each handle 34 of the pair of handle-receivers 24, 24 is substantially aligned with an arc C-C of a circle which is centered about and normal to the longitudinal axis X-X. This allows the member to roll on the ground, which is essential for some functional drills. The handle 34 of the central receiver 26 extends longitudinally.

The apparatus further comprises a strap 36 securable to the member via one or both of the holes 28, as shown in FIG. 8, or securable through receivers such as handle-receivers 24, 24 of FIG. 1. The strap 36 allows for dragging drills including warding drills.

An alternative embodiment of the exerciser is shown in FIG. 4 and designated with general reference number 10′. This exerciser takes the form of a rod 20′ of relatively dense elastomeric foam or any other material set forth herein. Receivers 24 in this embodiment take the form of radially-outwardly-opening recesses, and handles 34 take the form of rigid structures spanning across the recesses. Otherwise, this embodiment is substantially similar to the embodiment of FIG. 1-3, and is numbered commensurately.

The exercisers of FIG. 1-FIG. 4 can be used by persons in the performance of a wide variety of physical training exercises analogous to exercises carried out with dumbbells and/or barbells (i.e., functional movements that mimic tasks in life, sport and occupation).

FIGS. 5-8, for example, show a person using the exerciser of FIG. 1. Herein, the person is completing functional exercises. Since these exercises are multi-planar in nature and integrated to the body, the member will be lifted using various angles and speeds. Because of the member's simple shape and design, functional exercises can be accomplished safely with no moving or detaching parts and with efficiency to avoid disruption of arthrokinematics, thus allowing for proper loading in functional movement. The exercise depicted in FIG. 5 can be performed with relative comfort in comparison to the overall mass of the apparatus, since the mass of the member, being concentrated near the surface, results in the load on the wrists of the person being relatively low. As well, the apertures of the pair are axially-spaced apart from one another about the distance between the shoulders of the person, which permits the bicep curl exercise using this apparatus to be mechanically similar to a bicep curl exercise performed using a conventional barbell.

FIG. 6 shows a person gripping the central handle during the performance of a suitcase lunge. This movement is asymmetrically loaded and yields a higher demand for dynamic stability.

FIG. 7 shows a person gripping the handles of the pair of receivers while bending sideways, providing 3-dimensional loading of the hip, including muscle and fascia. Loading human viscoelastic tissue in this manner increases efficiency and maximizes training carryover to athletic performance.

The apparatus can additionally be used to perform many exercises that are not safe or comfortable with dumbbells or barbells. For example, FIG. 8A shows a person running (or walking) and dragging the apparatus behind. Another exercise may be performed by dragging the apparatus while crawling. The apparatus can also be carried across the shoulders while performing such exercises as jumping, running, climbing up and down stairs, bending forwards, bending sideways and rotating about the hip. The elastomeric nature of the tube permits same to compress or be bent slightly, and thereby rest on a user's shoulders without applying pressure directly to the spine.

FIG. 8B illustrates a person performing a cylinder lift using the member 20. Using the member 20 in this manner increases the human body's demand for stability and thus improves the training effect. The drill involves pulsing the member 20 from the top end to the bottom end as shown. When held on the bottom, this inverse pendulum is extremely unstable and forces the body to become more stable.

FIG. 8C illustrates a person performing a shoveling drill using the member 20. This rotation pattern trains the all-important transverse plane of motion, which is involved in most movements in daily life. This drill will have carry-over to chores, golf and sport, among other activities. The drill involves rotating the member 20 from low to high and slightly behind while turning the body.

FIG. 8D illustrates a person performing a tilting pattern using the member 20. This tilting pattern allows the weight of the member 20 to be slightly unloaded while increasing the movement of the drill. This drill involves tilting the member 20 side to side on one pivot end as shown.

FIG. 8E illustrates a person performing a jumping pattern using the member 20. This dynamic drill involves using the member 20 to facilitate full body, explosive action in a movement rich sequence, transferring to sport/activity. This drill involves passing the member 20 from the ground (with the feet) to the hands as shown.

FIG. 8F illustrates a person performing a carrying pattern using the member 20. This carrying drill involves securing the member 20 close to the body while performing movements that mimic life, sport and occupation.

FIG. 8G illustrates a person performing a shifting pattern using the member 20. This shifting pattern involves using the member 20 to move through a field of gravity resulting in significant carry-over to life, sport and occupation. This drill involves starting from a neutral standing position to chopping around to the side and down as shown.

Whereas but two specific embodiments of the invention have been heretofore discussed, it will be evident that various changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

For example, FIG. 3 i a perspective view of a set of exercisers of the type shown in FIG. 1, but of differing dimensions and masses. The varying weights provide different challenges when used in exercise resulting in improved physiological adaptions. In particular, tubes can be formed in a variety of weights and diameters, for example by changing the diameter of the mandrel used and varying the amount of rubber laid-up on the mandrel. In other embodiments, tubes of various weights and diameters may be formed by injection molding, extrusion, roto-molding, any other process described herein, or any using any suitable method of manufacturing now known or invented in the future. Herein, a set of tubes 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, 10E are shown, which weigh, respectively, 10, 25, 40, 60 and 80 pounds. By way of example, only, the dimensions of the 60 lb unit herein are: length of 4 feet; OD=8.5 inches; ID=6.5 inches.

As well, tubes of different lengths, and different hole configurations can be provided, by, inter alia, varying the cutting pattern. In this regard, the ideal separation of the handles will depend on the size of the user and the exercise being performed. To enable the apparatus to be used in different ways and by different users, it is possible to provide more or less handles than shown, and these may either be axially aligned with one another or they may be staggered around the circumference of the tube.

As well, whereas a specific type of rubber and method of construction are taught, it should be emphasized that materials other than rubbers and elastomers can be used to form the apparatus, and other methods of construction can be used. By way of example, only, useful tubes have been constructed out of Blue SBR [65+/−5 A Hardness, 1600 psi, 600% Elongation] sheet material and Yellow SBR [70+/−5 A Hardness, 1500 psi Tensile, 500% Elongation] sheet material. Hollow embodiments of the apparatus, for example as illustrated in FIG. 1, could be extruded, injection-molded, or roto-molded. Alternatively, the rod form of the invention shown in FIG. 4 could be injection-molded.

FIGS. 9A-9F show alternative embodiments of the exerciser apparatus illustrating various alternative forms that the invention may take. Each of these alternative embodiments may feature some or all of the features set forth above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8. In addition, these embodiments feature exercisers having different loading parameters such that the members will not roll and/or are stackable. In particular, FIG. 9A depicts exerciser 200 including a member 205 comprising a length of triangular tubing having a plurality of receivers 210 therein. The exerciser 200 does not roll and is therefore very stable for functional footwork drills.

FIG. 9B depicts exerciser 212 including a member 214 comprising a length of square tubing and a plurality of receivers 220. The exerciser 212 does not roll and allows for exercises involving standing on the member. Additionally, the exerciser 212 is stackable.

FIG. 9C depicts exerciser 225 including a member 228 comprising a length of rectangular tubing and a plurality of receivers 230. The exerciser 225 does not roll and allows for push-up drills on the member without the risk of rolling. Additionally, the exerciser 225 is stackable and allows for exercises involving standing on the member.

FIG. 9D depicts exerciser 232 including a member 236 comprising a length of oval tubing and a plurality of receivers 240. The exerciser 232 is dynamically stable and allows for some movement for athletes performing drills standing on the member 236.

FIG. 9E depicts exerciser 244 including a member 246 comprising a length of hexagonal (or other multi-sided) tubing and a plurality of receivers 250. The exerciser 244 allows the participant to engage in reactive drills when the member 246 is thrown to the ground.

FIG. 9F depicts exerciser 255 including a member 260 comprising a length of tubing having two flat sides and two curved sides, and a plurality of receivers 262. The exerciser 255 is stackable, does not roll, is dynamically stable, and provides increased hydrodynamic effect when the member 260 is used performing exercises in water. In each of these embodiments, a flat or substantially flat surface is provided due to the shape of the tubing, such that the exerciser may be safely placed on the ground, floor, etc. without the risk of rolling.

FIGS. 10A-10G show further alternative embodiments of the exerciser apparatus illustrating various alternative forms that the invention may take. Each of these alternative embodiments may feature some or all of the features set forth above with respect to the embodiments of FIGS. 1-8. Specifically, FIG. 10A depicts an exerciser 300 comprising a member 305 including a plurality of receivers 308, wherein the receivers 308 have larger openings in areas 312. This disperses stress points for the corners of the openings, thereby reducing the incidence of breakage or failure.

FIG. 10B depicts an exerciser 316 comprising a member 320 with receivers 324 that are ergonomically slanted with respect to the length of the cylinder. The receivers 324 are slanted outward (obliquely relative to the longitudinal axis of member 320) to facilitate a user placing her hands therein and comfortably lifting the exerciser 316. More particularly, the longitudinal axes of a first pair of receivers 324A is at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member 320 and the longitudinal axes of a second pair of receivers 324B is at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member 320. For example, the first angle can be between 10° and 40°, and the second angle can be between 140° and 170°. In one particular embodiment, the first angle is about 30° and the second angle is about 150°. The slanting of the receivers provides an ergonomic advantage resulting in less stress on the user's wrists.

FIG. 10C depicts an exerciser 330 comprising a member 334 having receivers 336, as well as a bar 338 disposed through the center of the member 334 and extended out of the ends of the member 334. The ends of the bar 338 may be employed as a barbell for sliding additional weights onto the ends of the bar 338 in a conventional manner.

FIG. 10D depicts an exerciser 342 comprising a member 348 having two receivers 352, each receiver featuring a single hole for a user's hand to slip through and grab onto the member 348. Such an embodiment featuring single hole receivers reduces the incidence of receiver breakage or failure.

FIG. 10E illustrates an exerciser 354 comprising a solid tubular member 356 having no handles.

FIG. 10F illustrates an exerciser 362 comprising a solid tubular member 366 having exterior handles 368.

FIG. 10G illustrates an exerciser 374 comprising a hollow tubular member 378 having sealed end caps 380 and handles 384. The hollow exerciser 374 is adapted to be filled with a weighting agent (such as water, sand, etc.) via aperture 388 and sealed with plug 392, which may be attached o the member 378 via tether 396. The exerciser 374 may be selectively filled with a weighting agent to achieve any number of different weights.

Additional embodiments of the invention may include the use of plastic inserts for securing the handles. This may entail the use of internal O-rings to reinforce the handles. In further embodiments, internal O-rings are provided along the length of the tube to reinforce the entire cylinder. In yet further embodiments, carbon fiber mesh or fiberglass can be applied around the handles to prevent breakage or failure of the handles.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not of limitation. Likewise, the various diagrams may depict an example architectural or other configuration for the invention, which is done to aid in understanding the features and functionality that can be included in the invention. The invention is not restricted to the illustrated example architectures or configurations, but the desired features can be implemented using a variety of alternative architectures and configurations. Indeed, it will be apparent to one of skill in the art how alternative functional, logical or physical partitioning and configurations can be implemented to effect the desired features of the present invention. Also, a multitude of different constituent module names other than those depicted herein can be applied to the various partitions. Additionally, with regard to flow diagrams, operational descriptions and method claims, the order in which the steps are presented herein shall not mandate that various embodiments be implemented to perform the recited functionality in the same order unless the context dictates otherwise.

Although the invention is described above in terms of various exemplary embodiments and implementations, it should be understood that the various features, aspects and functionality described in one or more of the individual embodiments are not limited in their applicability to the particular embodiment with which they are described, but instead can be applied, alone or in various combinations, to one or more of the other embodiments of the invention, whether or not such embodiments are described and whether or not such features are presented as being a part of a described embodiment. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.

Terms and phrases used in this document, and variations thereof, unless otherwise expressly stated, should be construed as open ended as opposed to limiting. As examples of the foregoing: the term “including” should be read as meaning “including, without limitation” or the like; the term “example” is used to provide exemplary instances of the item in discussion, not an exhaustive or limiting list thereof; the terms “a” or “an” should be read as meaning “at least one,” “one or more” or the like; and adjectives such as “conventional,” “traditional,” “normal,” “standard,” “known” and terms of similar meaning should not be construed as limiting the item described to a given time period or to an item available as of a given time, but instead should be read to encompass conventional, traditional, normal, or standard technologies that may be available or known now or at any time in he future. Likewise, where this document refers to technologies that would be apparent or known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such technologies encompass those apparent or known to the skilled artisan now or at any time in the future.

The presence of broadening words and phrases such as “one or more,” “at least,” “but not limited to” or other like phrases in some instances shall not be read to mean that the narrower case is intended or required in instances where such broadening phrases may be absent. Additionally, the various embodiments set forth herein are described in terms of exemplary block diagrams, flow charts and other illustrations. As will become apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art after reading this document, the illustrated embodiments and their various alternatives can be implemented without confinement to the illustrated examples. For example, block diagrams and their accompanying description should not be construed as mandating a particular architecture or configuration.

Claims

1. Apparatus for performing physical training exercises, comprising:

a member comprising a length of tubing and including an exterior surface having a central longitudinal axis and defining at least two pairs of receivers, axially-spaced from one another;

wherein each receiver is defined by a longitudinal axis and an aperture formed through the exterior surface of the member.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a length of square tubing

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a length of rectangular tubing.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a length of triangular tubing.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a length of multi-sided tubing.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a length of oval tubing.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member comprises a length of tubing having two flat sides and two curved sides

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the receivers comprise enlarged openings having an additional cutout portion covering corners of the openings, thereby dispersing stress points.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein longitudinal axes of a first pair of receivers is at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member and the longitudinal axes of a second pair of receivers is at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first angle is between 10° and 40°, and the second angle is between 140° and 170°.

11. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the first angle is about 30° and the second angle is about 150°.

12. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bar disposed through a center of the member along its longitudinal axis, wherein a portion of the bar extends out through both ends of the member.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein additional weights are added onto the portion of the bar extending out through the ends of the member.

14. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising internal O-rings to reinforce predetermined portions of the member.

15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the O-rings are made of mesh.

16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the member is formed from a material selected from the group consisting of: elastomeric material, plastic, any type of plastic derivative or recycled plastic, any hydrocarbon material such as nylon, rubber or rubber derivatives, steel, aluminum, foam or foam derivatives, fiberglass, carbon fiber, leather, imitation leather, vinyl, PVC, mesh lining, wood/bamboo, imitation wood, and any combination, hybrid or blend of these materials.

17. Apparatus for performing physical training exercises, comprising:

a member comprising a length of tubing and including an exterior surface having a central longitudinal axis and defining one pair of receivers;

wherein each receiver is defined by a longitudinal axis and an aperture formed through the exterior surface of the member.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the receivers comprise enlarged openings having an additional cutout portion covering corners of the openings, thereby dispersing stress points.

19. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein a longitudinal axis of a first receiver is at a first angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member and a longitudinal axis of a second receiver is at a second angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the member.

20. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first angle is between 10° and 40°, and the second angle is between 140° and 170°.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein the first angle is about 30° and the second angle is about 150°.

22. Apparatus for performing physical training exercises, comprising:

a hollow member comprising a length of tubing having a first end and a second end, and including an exterior surface having a central longitudinal axis;

a pair of end caps for sealing the first and second ends of the hollow member;

a pair of handles attached to the member;

an aperture in the member for filling the member with a weighting agent; and

a plug for sealing the aperture.

23. Apparatus for performing physical training exercises, comprising:

a member comprising a solid tubular member including an exterior surface having a central longitudinal axis.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, further comprising a pair of exterior handles attached to the member.