Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus is provided for use with a hip belt or short bar for respectively conducting squat or dead lift exercises, comprising at least one elevated platform secured to a rack, a weight holder, and a guide rod and/or other guide. The weight holder may be designed to hold free weights and to attach onto a hip belt or short bar. As the user performs the desired exercise supported by the platform, the guide rod, and/or other guide, guides the weight holder as it is lowered into the hole, limiting movement of the weight holder in the horizontal direction.

I claim: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus for use with a rack having two side supports, the apparatus comprising:
 two platforms, each sized to support a user's foot and configured to secure to a different one of the side supports, the platforms having a space therebetween;   a guide rod, at least a portion of which is positioned beneath the platforms and between the platforms, the guide rod also aligned with the space between the platforms;   a weight holder having a hollow loading pin sized to receive the guide rod; and   wherein when the user performs the exercise:
 the weight holder is raised and/or lowered, guided by the guide rod as the weight holder is moved relative to the guide rod and beneath the elevated platform. 
   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising:
 two moveable arms, each extending above a different on of the platforms; and 
 two loading arms, each coupled to a different moveable arm. 
 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise is a deadlift, and the apparatus further comprises a bar coupled to the weight holder. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the exercise is a squat, and the apparatus further comprises a weight belt coupled to the weight holder.