during an exercise cycle thereby further varying the resistance force applied to the lifting bar by the elastic cord 14 during the exercise cycle the low profile anchor 70 offers the greatest benefits when used for the bench press exercise where the distance between the lifting bar 12 and the anchor 70 at the beginning of an exercise cycle can typically be quite small the height of a standard bench used for such an exercise is typically only 16 inches the low profile anchor 70 permits maximizing the unstretched length of the elastic cord 14 for the bench press exercise maximizing the length of the elastic cord 14 for the bench press exercise permits individuals of different physical stature to use the same unstretched length of cord 14 for that same exercise additionally maximizing the length permits the same length of elastic cord 14 to be used for other similar bench type exercises such as the incline bench press exercise by use of a low profile anchor the number of different length elastic cords 14 required for the different types of exercises for which the device can be used and for the different physical statures of the expected users can be minimized with use of the low profile anchor illustrated in fig3 through 5a two standard size elastic cords 14 will permit most if not all users of different physical statures to perform most if not all of the different types of exercises which involve use of a lifting bar for bench type exercises i e bench press incline bench press etc 9 16 inch outside diameter latex tubing having an unstretched length of 10 inches should suffice for all other type exercises i e curls squats etc 9 16 inch outside.