A fixed weight/permanent weight-lifting apparatus including dumbbells and barbells is provided that have an elongated shaft with a centrally located handle and ends having a smaller diameter than the handle, a pre-coated head welded to each of these ends with a centrally located channel connecting its inner face and its outer face and a counter bore machined into its outer face of the head forming an inner collar. The channel has a diameter sufficient to receive the portion of the end of said shaft that extends beyond the inner collar. Each of the inner collars are joined to that portion of the end that extends beyond the collar.