Abstract: A portable, stable rope-climbing exercise machine. The machine has a stable support frame, a number of rope pulleys and rope guides mounted on the frame, an endless rope extending around the pulleys and guides to form a path which includes a vertically extending rope climbing portion, and hydraulic braking assembly coupled to the pulley system for controlling the rate of movement of the rope based upon the weight of the user when said user is climbing the rope. The machine allows a user to “climb” a rope continuously. The short frame allows the device to be installed anywhere. A seat with a footrest allows a user to gain leverage when exercising with the rope.