An exercise device includes a frame having a width and a length and defining a first opening extending in a direction perpendicular to the width and the length. The first opening is sized to retain at least a portion of a weighted object therein such that the width and the length of the frame extends along at least a portion of a width and a length of the weighted object, respectively, and externally thereto when the frame is connected to the weighted object. A handle member is connected to the frame to be gripped by a user.

A structural joint is formed of a mandrel having a plurality of bumps and dimples formed thereon which is fitted into a sleeve. The bumps and dimples form a non-circular geometry at all points along the length of the mandrel. The bumps are defined by surfaces which have 1.sup.st and 2.sup.nd derivatives which are continuous.

A training apparatus for fast-rope training includes a platform-supporting structure having one or more containers and at least one platform configured for use in fast-rope training. At least one attachment is provided for attaching a fast-rope. The platform-supporting structure is supportable by a surface. The at least one attachment is located higher than the platform and spaced laterally from the platform-supporting structure such that the at least one attachment overhangs the surface so a fast rope can hang from the at least one attachment, past the platform and toward the surface.

A training apparatus for fast-rope training includes a platform-supporting structure having one or more containers and at least one platform configured for use in fast-rope training. At least one attachment is provided for attaching a fast-rope. The platform-supporting structure is supportable by a surface. The at least one attachment is located higher than the platform and spaced laterally from the platform-supporting structure such that the at least one attachment overhangs the surface so a fast rope can hang from the at least one attachment, past the platform and toward the surface.

Climbing units that provide an enhanced play experience through the incorporation of any of a variety of elements including nets, suspended portions, and coupling elements, and to playground structures that contain those climbing units. In some embodiments, the climber unit may comprise one or more rigid portions and one or more net-containing portions connected end-to-end to produce a continuous climbing pathway. In other embodiments, the climber unit may comprise one or more rigid portions and one or more suspended portions connected end-to-end to produce a continuous climbing pathway. The suspended portion may be attached to adjacent rigid portions by flexible couplers, such that the suspended portion will move when a child climbs through it. In other embodiments, the climber unit may be mounted to an elevated playground structure such that there are no footers connecting the climber unit to the ground.

Climbing units that provide an enhanced play experience through the incorporation of any of a variety of elements including nets, suspended portions, and coupling elements, and to playground structures that contain those climbing units. In some embodiments, the climber unit may comprise one or more rigid portions and one or more net-containing portions connected end-to-end to produce a continuous climbing pathway. In other embodiments, the climber unit may comprise one or more rigid portions and one or more suspended portions connected end-to-end to produce a continuous climbing pathway. The suspended portion may be attached to adjacent rigid portions by flexible couplers, such that the suspended portion will move when a child climbs through it. In other embodiments, the climber unit may be mounted to an elevated playground structure such that there are no footers connecting the climber unit to the ground.

A weight support assembly for attachment to a lever arm pivotably connected to an exercise rack in a manner whereby weight can be positioned out in front of the rack for a more efficient work out is provided. The assembly is made of highly durable materials and can be readily attached and detached from the lever arm as needed.

A training apparatus for fast-rope training includes a platform-supporting structure having one or more containers and at least one platform configured for use in fast-rope training. At least one attachment is provided for attaching a fast-rope. The platform-supporting structure is supportable by a surface. The at least one attachment is located higher than the platform and spaced laterally from the platform-supporting structure such that the at least one attachment overhangs the surface so a fast rope can hang from the at least one attachment, past the platform and toward the surface.

A training apparatus for fast-rope training includes a platform-supporting structure having one or more containers and at least one platform configured for use in fast-rope training. At least one attachment is provided for attaching a fast-rope. The platform-supporting structure is supportable by a surface. The at least one attachment is located higher than the platform and spaced laterally from the platform-supporting structure such that the at least one attachment overhangs the surface so a fast rope can hang from the at least one attachment, past the platform and toward the surface.