Abstract: An exercise apparatus includes a reciprocating body reciprocatably mounted between spaced and parallel first and second guide plates having respective first and second slots, with the first and second slots arranged to slidably receive first and second U-shaped locks arranged to lock and secure the reciprocating body relative to a central lock plate, that in turn is reciprocatably mounted within a second tube received within a first tube within the reciprocating body, such that the first and second tubes include respective first and second springs positioned on opposed sides of the central lock plate.