An exercise apparatus is provided. The exercise apparatus includes a substantially round, hollow element having an exterior surface and an interior cavity, with the round, hollow element having a U-shaped cross-section, the U-shape including two distal ends. The exercise apparatus also includes at least two rims, each rim positioned about a portion of the round, hollow element at each distal end of the U-shape. A spacer member is located between each distal end of the U-shape and between the rims and at least two fasteners extend between both of the at least two rims, the fasteners providing a clamping force to the at least two rims so that the spacer member and both distal ends of the round, hollow element are fixed relative to each other.