Abstract: A weight-lifting apparatus includes a plurality of weights each having a central hole and a slot extending from the central hole to a perimeter of the associated weight, the slot having a width less than the diameter of the central hole. The apparatus further includes a shaft having opposing ends defining a diameter about equal to the central holes, and a sleeve positioned on the shaft. The shaft is shaped to rotatably engage the central holes and is rotatable to different positions. The shaft further has a plurality of recessed surfaces on the opposing ends corresponding to the different positions that extend different longitudinal lengths, the recessed surfaces defining with other surfaces on the shaft a reduced dimension about equal to the width of the slot. Further, the shaft and the weights are configured so that by rotating the shaft, the recessed surfaces are selectively positioned to allow the shaft to slide along one or more of the slots, thus selectively releasing the weights.