Abstract: Accessory apparatus for use by a person working with weights in a body building program. Under a modern, well accepted theory muscle growth and strength can best be promoted by "high intensity" exercise which means the repetitive performance of a resistance movement to the point of momentary muscular failure. In performing a high intensity exercise, as for example in bench pressing, the exerciser may find himself trapped beneath a heavy weight upon reaching the point of muscular failure. In such case, the apparatus of the invention eliminates the need for a human partner by providing power driven mechanical device for lifting the weight, said mechanical device being put into operation by a hand or foot operated switch easily accessible to the exerciser.