A lifting apparatus having a bar with a shoulder bar supportable on a lifter's shoulders and a weight sleeve configured to receive at least one weight. The lifting apparatus includes an adapter that allows adjustment of the distal member to one of a plurality of different positions relative to a longitudinal axis of the shoulder bar.

A weightlifting converting device is provided that includes a plurality of converting segments arranged end-to-end in a chain. Each converting segment has a semi-circular outer surface defining an arc and a planar inner surface. When the weightlifting converting device is installed on a polygonal-shaped weightlifting plate, the planar inner surface of each converting segment engages a flat outer edge of the polygonal plate, and the semi-circular outer surfaces together provide the weightlifting plate with a round outer surface.

A weight lifting apparatus to assist an exerciser to lift more weight for more repetitions in the squat and deadlift, the apparatus including an upper sleeve, made of strong, inelastic material, in which a weight lifting belt can be inserted therethrough, and two interweaved elastic cross members each having one end attached to the sleeve, where the remaining portions cross behind the exerciser's gluteus, where a second end of each elastic cross member includes a leg cuff.

A connector for a weight lifting apparatus, adapted to be slidably attached to a sliding rail and comprising means for releasably securing a barbell, wherein the connector further comprises a support arm for supporting the barbell when the barbell is not locked in the securing means. A weight lifting apparatus comprising such a connector is also disclosed.

A support member including a body including a front portion, and a pair of sleeves extending outwardly from the front portion, each sleeve of the pair of sleeves including an inner surface, an outer surface, and a compression member provided between the inner surface and the outer surface, each compression member provided on an outer side of a respective sleeve of the pair of sleeves relative to a front vertical centerline of the front portion of the body.

The present invention consists essentially of a sloping grip. The grip includes a receiving portion into which the handle of a dumbbell, barbell, Olympic bar, or other weight can be inserted. The grip may be higher and wider at one end, and lower and narrower at the other end, changing the angle between the user's hand and the handle of the weight. The low end is configured to transition easily to the weight handle. The grip may be comprised of rigid materials, such as plastics or woods, substantially rigid materials, such as more flexible plastics, foams, and silicones, or more flexible materials such as less dense silicones, foams, and plastics. The grip may be substantially solid or substantially hollow, depending on materials used. The grip may be formed such that the slope made by the upper surface is anywhere from 1 to 89 to the plane of the weight handle.

An arm and chest exerciser Includes elastic cuffs into which an exerciser places the upper arias. An elastic chest, band connects the cuffs. Moving the user's arms backwardly stretches the chest hand and exercises muscles of the arms, chest and shoulder. A gripping handle connects to the chest band adjacent a midpoint allowing the user or spotter to pull down on the chest hand and appropriately position it on the user's chest. A similar device may be incorporated into a weight lifter's shirt to store energy during a lift and thereby give the user's an ability to bench press heavier weights.

A gripping apparatus is disclosed. A gripping glove comprises a wrist band which can be secured with hook and loop fastener patches, and a palm strip with finger loops. The palm strip may be divided into three different strips and allows a comfortable grip during sport activities.

User activity including both athletic activity (e.g., running, walking, etc.) and non-athletic activity (shopping, reading articles, etc.) may be monitored and tracked by an athletic monitoring and tracking device and service. The user activity may be used to award a user with an amount of virtual currency to encourage the user to continue various activities. In one example, users may use the virtual currency to purchase or otherwise acquire various products, services, discounts and the like. A user may track an amount currency earned and/or needed relative to an amount required to acquire a desired product or service. Additionally or alternatively, a visual appearance of a user device (e.g., a watch or athletic activity band) may change based on the user's activity level, an amount of virtual currency earned and the like.

A disk shaped quiet bumper plate for a barbell has a rim of elastomeric material with a shock absorber region. The shock absorber region has a circumferential row of evenly spaced transverse holes. The material between the holes forms radial walls which act as shock absorbers when the bumper plate is dropped. This reduces noise without unduly increasing bounce.