An exercise apparatus includes a frame, a resistance lever pivotably attached to the frame, a resistance engagement member moveably attached to the resistance lever, the resistance engagement member being positionable at a plurality of attachment points on the resistance lever, and a resistance element disposed adjacent to the resistance engagement member. The resistance element includes a deflection member having a first end and a second end, a first anchor attached to and positionally fixing the first end of the deflection member, and a second anchor attached to and positionally fixing the second end of the deflection member. When a force is input to the resistance lever, the resistance lever pivots about the pivot point and the resistance engagement member transversely engages the deflection member. The apparent resistance provided by the resistance element is adjusted by positionally adjusting the resistance engagement member along the attachment points relative to the anchors.