Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a free-weight exercise apparatus is provided that includes a left standard and a right standard that are removably joined in spaced-apart relationship by a cross connector. The left and right standards are preferably generally triangular in shape. According to another aspect, an apparatus is provided for assisting a person with dead-lift type exercises. The apparatus includes left and right lifter assemblies, each of which has an upper bar and a lower bar, the bars being maintained in a parallel, spaced-apart relationship by two vertically oriented piston-cylinder units. A spring is positioned co-axially around each of the piston-cylinder units. One of the ends of one of the two piston-cylinder units of each assembly is pivotally connected to one of the bars and the other ends of the two piston-cylinder units are rigidly connected to the bars, whereby binding of the piston-cylinder units is prevented.