Abstract: Exercise apparatus incorporating lift assistance mechanism for pull-up and/or dip stand exercising including one or more interchangeable extensible, elastomeric links of various extensil resistances, arranged to upwardly bias a pivotally mounted lift bar, and having arranged in parallel therewith a hydraulic shock absorber type fluid cylinder functioning to limit the extent of downward movement of the lift bar when the cylinder is extended to its maximum length and limiting the rate of upward movement of the lift bar in the event of the user falling off. The elastomeric link is preferably longitudinally bifurcated with two lengthwise parts so that if one part breaks the other part is likely to remain intact and provide some degree of extensil resistance. Other exercise components can be included as well as parts of the apparatus, such as push-up handles, and padded cross bars for sit-up exercising and the like.