Weightlifting apparatus

Abstract

A weightlifting apparatus that includes a frame having at least one pair of spaced-apart handles thereon and an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the frame intermediate each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles. The shaft may be circular in cross-section and sized to receive a standard weight plate thereon. The weightlifting apparatus enables a weightlifter to enjoy additional benefits from standard weight plates that are normally used with barbells and to perform additional exercises with the hands in positions that cannot be achieved using barbells so as to exercise different muscle groups.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An apparatus, comprising:
 a frame having at least one pair of spaced-apart handles thereon;   an elongate shaft having a distal end and a proximal end coupled to the frame at a location intermediate each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles, the shaft for receiving thereon one or more weight plates;   wherein a weightlifter can grip the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles with one or more weight plates received onto the elongate shaft and exercise with   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles comprises two pairs of spaced-apart handles;
 wherein a first pair of spaced-apart handles are spaced further apart one from the other than a second pair of spaced apart handles disposed therebetween; and   wherein proximal end of the elongate shaft is coupled to the frame at a location intermediate each of the first pair of spaced-apart handles and intermediate each of the second pair of spaced-apart handles.   
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 2 , wherein the elongate shaft is orthogonal to a plane in which each of the first pair of spaced-apart handles and each of the second pair of spaced-apart handles lies. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the frame includes a rectangular periphery. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles is coupled to a top portion of the frame at a first end; and
 each of the at least one pair of spaced-apart handles is coupled to a bottom portion of the frame at a second end.   
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate shaft is coupled at its proximal end to the frame by a welded connection. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the elongate shaft includes a circular cross-section sized to receive standard weight plates.