The lever arm drives the exercise. Weight plates are loaded directly onto the lever arm which simply replaces the barbell thus providing the natural feel and resistance of free weight with the safety and control of a machine. By setting the foot plate at the correct angle and properly positioning the weight plate load, all stress and pressure is taken off the back and knees. The resistance is focused totally on the thighs to drive the motion. An innovative slide handle bar is incorporated that allows the user to start and stop the exercise in the top position. There is also a fixed safety stop position built in.