Abstract: A cushion disposed on a weightlifting bar whereby a weightlifter's body is protected from direct contact with the weightlifting bar during periodic impact and whereby the weightlifter is protected from hyperextension, and provided with bounce, a convenient assistance to spotting, and unencumbered use of the weightlifting bar. In a preferred embodiment, a cushion assembly is disposed on a bench press bar whereby the bench press bar extends through a hollow axis of a cylindrical cushion and the cushion assembly comprises the cylindrical cushion made of foam rubber with a radial slit and a removable cover for protecting the cylindrical cushion. The removable cover may be either rectangular material fastened with hook and loop strips or pliable material sewn into a cylindrical shape.