A weight apparatus includes a handle, first and second anchorages mounted to first and second ends of the handle, respectively, the handle and the first and second anchorages having an axially extending opening, first and second rods axially movable inside the axially extending opening and adapted to be moved axially relative to the axially extending opening in opposite directions upon rotation of first and second pinion gears in the first and second anchorages, respectively, that engage with first and second racks on the first and second rods, respectively, and a lock having a locked condition in which rotation of the first and second pinion gears is prevented and an unlocked condition in which rotation of the first and second pinion gears is permitted.