A dumbbell supporting apparatus having a matching pair of stanchions and a matching pair of stands, each stand for optional combined use with the castered stanchions. The adjustable height cradle positions of each stanchion position a removably placed dumbbell at least 25 inches outwardly from the upright of each stanchion, thereby providing clearance for exercise. Each stand can store weights, and each stand is selectively and elastomerically hooked to a stanchion, providing for stanchion retreat from an exerciser with the dumbbell lifted from the stanchion.