Abstract: The apparatus according to this invention involves connection of a tubular bar (7, 9) with gripping features for the hands and behind the neck, to a tension resistant elastic rope for performing various aerobic exercises. The tension resistant rope is guided through to an opening in the tubular bar (60) which then joins to a newly designed retainer (30). The retainer includes a hole (40) for the elastic rope to feed through. As part of the retainer assembly, a fastener (32) is used to couple the elastic rope to the retainer. The improvement of the retainer features an extruded rectangular cut (41) allowing a lightweight and more robust mechanical linkage between the elastic rope and the tubular handle.