Axle Deadlift

Technique

Grip the thick axle bar just outside your knees with hips low and back flat. Drive through your legs and extend your hips to stand up straight, keeping the bar close to your shins. The thicker bar diameter demands a stronger grip than a standard barbell. Lower the bar back down under control by hinging at the hips first.

Steps

1. Grip the thick axle bar just outside your knees with hips low and back flat
2. Brace your core before initiating the pull
3. Drive through your legs and extend your hips to stand up straight, keeping the bar close to your shins
4. Lock out at the top with shoulders back
5. Lower the bar back down under control by hinging at the hips first

Common mistakes

• Letting the back round while setting up the low hip position
• Letting the bar drift away from the shins during the pull
• Using a weak grip instead of committing to the thicker bar's demand, causing the bar to slip

Variations

• Axle deadlift from blocks or a rack for a shorter range of motion
• Axle deadlift with straps to isolate leg/hip drive from grip fatigue
• Axle deadlift for max reps at a moderate load as a grip-endurance test

FAQ