Strongman Apollon's Axle
The strongman clean and press on a thick axle bar: the axle comes from the floor to the shoulders, then goes overhead, the fat grip testing the hands all the way.
How to do it
Setup
Axle on the floor over the midfoot, feet hip-width, hips down, a double overhand grip just outside the knees.
Steps
- Drive the axle up from the floor and pull it onto the shoulders, the elbows coming forward.
- Press the axle overhead to lockout, the head moving through.
- Lower it to the shoulders, then to the floor, back flat.
Common mistakes
Curling the axle to the shoulders with the arms: the hips drive it up; the arms guide. Rounding the back off the floor: set the hips and chest before the pull. Leaning back under the press: squeeze the glutes and keep the ribs down.
Breathing
Exhale on the clean, fresh breath, exhale on the press.
