Physical training apparatus

Abstract

Physical training systems that may promote effective technique and strength training for various sports, as well as general strength and fitness training. Apparatus may require a user to push and lift in a coordinated manner to effectively overcome inertia and rolling resistance. The training apparatus may include a cylindrical core portion and compliant outer portion located on an outer surface of the core portion. In use, the training apparatus may rotate around a center axis of the core portion when a sufficient force, exceeding a resistance level, is received by the training apparatus (e.g., as a result of a user exercising proper technique in applying force to the training apparatus). The resistance level may be a result of a configurable amount of ballast contained within the apparatus.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A training apparatus configured for a user to perform sports training exercises on a horizontal ground surface, comprising:
 first means for holding ballast in a hollow portion of the first means;   second means for receiving the ballast, wherein the second means is resealable;   third means for cushioning the training apparatus, wherein the third means is disposed on an outer surface of the first means; and   fourth means for protecting the third means, wherein the fourth means is disposed on the third means;   wherein the third means is configured to deform in response to an impact by a user with the fourth means and is configured to deform to have an area with a generally flat surface in contact with the ground surface; and   wherein the training apparatus is sized to have a height above a waist of the user when resting on the ground surface and is configured to roll when the user uses his or her hands at waist level to contact the fourth means to exert a force exceeding a resistance level against the third means from a stance in which the user's knees are bent, and wherein the exerted force includes a horizontal component that pushes the training apparatus and a vertical component that lifts the training apparatus.   
     
     
         22 . The training apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the ballast comprises liquid and sand. 
     
     
         24 . The training apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the first means is further for accepting an adjustable amount of the ballast. 
     
     
         25 . The training apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the first means is about 40 inches in diameter, and wherein the third means is about 6 inches in thickness. 
     
     
         26 . The training apparatus of  claim 21 , wherein the first means holds the ballast.