A spring connecting apparatus is disclosed for use in an exercise apparatus that has one or more springs fastened between a movable member and a stationary member. The connector apparatus is adapted to fasten one end of a spring to one of the members. This apparatus includes an elongated connecting member having a head end and a foot end, a polymer stopper body adapted to fit within one end of a coil spring, the body having an axial bore through which the foot end of the connecting member extends, and a washer disc on the connecting member between the polymer stopper body and a deformed section of the connecting member near the foot end.