An apparatus for supporting a weight lifting dumbbell includes a riser and a cradle support arm pivotally attached to the riser at a first pivot connection. The cradle support arm may be selectively rotated around the first pivot connection between a raised position and a lowered position. The apparatus may also include a cradle for supporting a free weight. The cradle is pivotally connected to the cradle support arm at a second pivot connection. Moving the cradle support arm between the raised and lowered positions causes the second pivot connection to rotate around the first pivot connection in response to the cradle support arm being rotated around the first pivot connection. The apparatus may further include a cradle actuating link pivotally connected to the riser and the cradle. The cradle actuating link operates to cause the cradle to rotate counter to the rotation of the cradle support arm.