Exercise apparatus

Abstract

An exercise apparatus that is configured to provide spotting of a user during resistance exercises. The present invention includes a frame wherein the frame comprises a plurality of vertical and horizontal support members operably coupled via mechanical elements. Barbell guide rod members extend between the upper and lower horizontal support members of the frame and have a barbell slidably coupled thereto. A peg assembly is provided wherein the peg assembly is configured to be releasably coupled into one of a multitude of apertures present in the vertical support members. The peg assembly includes a U-shaped support member having peg members operably coupled thereto wherein the peg members extend outward from the U-shaped support member. The peg assembly further includes a lower support member integrally formed with the U-shaped support member. The present invention employs a counterweight assembly that is operably coupled to the barbell providing assistance with moving weight thereon.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An exercise apparatus comprising:
 a frame, said frame having a plurality of vertical support members and a plurality of horizontal support members, said vertical support members and horizontal support members operably coupled to define an exercise area, said plurality of vertical support members being perpendicular with said horizontal support members, said plurality of vertical support members having a multitude of apertures formed therein, said multitude of apertures arranged in a linear manner from a bottom end to a top end of said plurality of vertical support members,   a first barbell guide rod member and a second barbell guide rod member, said first barbell guide rod member and said second barbell guide rod member being on opposing sides of the exercise area, said first barbell guide rod member and said second barbell guide rod member extending upward from a lower horizontal support member to an upper horizontal support member;   a barbell, said barbell being operably coupled to said first barbell guide rod member and said second barbell guide rod member, said barbell having a first hook member and a second hook member operably coupled thereto;   a peg assembly, said peg assembly being configured to operably coupled to two of said plurality of vertical support members, said peg assembly having a U-shaped support member, said U-shaped support member having a first portion, a second portion and a third portion being integrally formed, said U-shaped support member having a void configured to facilitate receipt of a section of a vertical support member therein, said peg assembly having a plurality of peg members, said plurality of peg members being operably coupled across said first portion and said second portion of the U-shaped support member, said peg members further having a portion extending outward from an outer surface of said first portion of the U-shaped support member, said peg members being oriented in vertical and linear manner on the U-shaped support member; and   wherein said peg members being configured to operably engage the first hook member and second hook member coupled to said barbell.   
     
     
         2 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said peg assembly further includes a lower support member, said lower support member having a first segment and a second segment, said lower support member being integrally formed with said U-shaped support member. 
     
     
         3 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 2 , wherein said first segment of said lower support member is contiguous with said first portion of said U-shaped support member. 
     
     
         4 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 3 , wherein said second segment of said lower support member is perpendicular with said first segment of said lower support member. 
     
     
         5 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 4 , wherein said second segment of said lower support member is parallel with said second section of said U-shaped support member having a void therebetween, said void being operable to have a section of a vertical support member placed therein ensuing mounting of the peg assembly. 
     
     
         6 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 5 , wherein said peg assembly further includes a rod member, said rod member being operably coupled to said second portion of said U-shaped support member, said rod member extending outward from said second portion being perpendicular thereto, said rod member being above said second segment of the lower support member, said rod member extending towards said second segment of the lower support member. 
     
     
         7 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 6 , and further including a counterweight assembly, said counterweight assembly being operably coupled to said barbell. 
     
     
         8 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 7 , wherein said counterweight assembly includes a weight support rod, said weight support rod operable to receive a weight stack thereon. 
     
     
         9 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 8 , wherein said weight support rod has a cable operably coupled thereto, said cable having a first end connected to said weight support rod and a second end connected to said barbell. 
     
     
         10 . The exercise apparatus as recited in  claim 9 , wherein said cable is operably coupled to a first pulley and a second pulley mounted to the frame.