Abstract: A housing containing a hand cranked, flywheel type resistance mechanism is mounted upstanding from a base. The base is formed by a housing supporting pillar member from which a thigh brace depends and a lap rest adjustably and releasably secured to extend horizontally from the pillar member by engagement of selected vertically spaced ribs on the pillar and a pillar receiving slot in the slot. The flywheel type resistance mechanism comprises a friction band in encircling frictional engagement with a flywheel thereby to resist rotation thereof. An adjustable band tensioner is provided to adjust the frictional resistance to rotation. A body belt is releasably attached to the pillar to secure the apparatus to a user's waist.