Abstract: The apparatus essentially comprises a press bench used by weight lifters. It includes a horizontal bearing surface upon which the weight lifter/exerciser reclines in a supine attitude, and uprights fixed to the head of the bearing surface for supporting thereupon, above the bearing surface, weight-crossbars. To guard against any untoward accident, in which a falling or otherwise uncontrolled weight-crossbar could impact upon a supine exerciser, the invention teaches the deployment of two safety bars for intercepting such weight-crossbar. One end of each of the safety bars is pivotably joined to a side of the bearing surface, and the other end is placed against a rest stop slidably engaged with, and pinned to, the associated or complementary upright. The safety bars reach across the shoulders of the exerciser, and within the arms thereof, so as to not impede or obstruct normal exercising.