There are a bunch of field-specific preprint services like arXiv: PsyArXiv, SocARXIV, engrXiV, AgriXiv, etc. The OSF also hosts preprints for various disciplines.
The important thing to remember is that preprints are not peer-reviewed and have not been vetted in any way. A paper may change a lot (or just a little) between preprint submission and final publication. A recent paper of mine had a few sections added for clarity, which wouldn’t appear in a preprint.
I use bamboo poles that are cut to size for my height. They are sturdy and strong, but lightweight, so they may not be exactly what you need for the workout piece. They have an changeable rubber tip on the bottom that I swap when it loses its grip.