Abstract: An exercising device comprises a base member, a shaft rotatably mounted within the base member and a pulley mounted on each end of the shaft. There are free-wheels engaging the pulleys and the shaft for rotation in one direction and permitting the pulleys to rotate freely about the shaft for rotation in the opposite direction. There is a spring for rotating the pulleys in the opposite direction. A cable is connected to each pulley to rotate the pulleys in the one direction when the cables are pulled away and unwound from the pulleys. There are first and second brake shoes with recesses for the shaft. Hinges are connected to the brake shoes to one side of the shaft and urge the brake shoes against the shaft. Levers are connected to the brake shoes and extend to a side of the shaft opposite the one side. There is a knob for adjustably urging the first brake shoe against the shaft and a hydraulic cylinder and piston for measuring the force exerted by the shaft against the second brake shoe.