A device for exercising the hip and upper leg muscles comprising a support frame with a body support member and leg gripping members rotatably secured to each side of the support frame adapted to grip the leg just above the knee. The axis of rotation of the leg gripping members is adapted to be substantially aligned with the axis of rotation of the ball and socket joint between the upper leg and the hip. A cylinder to control the rate of movement of the leg is pivotally secured between the support frame and each of the leg gripping members to control the rate of movement of the leg gripping members and legs.