An exercise apparatus (10) comprising a housing unit (11) having relatively moveable upper (17) and lower (18) housing members containing a spring element (12) which surrounds a force transmitting unit (13) and is disposed intermediate an adjustable spring tensioning means (16); wherein, a force imparting lever unit (15) is pivotally connected to the housing unit (11) and further operatively connected to the force transmitting unit (13) via a toggle linkage (14).
