StrongMan Apollons Axle

Master the StrongMan Apollon's Axle lift, a challenging full-body exercise using a thick barbell.

AdvancedForearms Hips Thighs Barbell

Movement: Compound
Force: Push
Per set: 1 min
Rest: 2 min

Get Ellim — Free

Free · iPhone only · Available on the App Store

Variations of StrongMan Apollons Axle

Compound

StrongMan Atlas Stones

Back · Thighs · Weighted

Advanced

Compound

StrongMan Loading

Back · Hips · Weighted

Advanced

Description

A weightlifting exercise where an athlete lifts a thick barbell from the ground to overhead.

Save StrongMan Apollons Axle to a routine

Log sets, reps, and weight as you train — free in the Ellim app.

Get Ellim — Free

How to do StrongMan Apollons Axle

01
Setup
Stand with feet hip-width apart, barbell centered over your mid-foot. Hinge at your hips and bend your knees to grasp the thick barbell with an overhand, double-pronated grip, hands just outside your shins.
02
Setup
Ensure your back is flat, chest up, and shoulders slightly in front of the bar. Take a deep breath, brace your core, and prepare for the initial pull.
03
Initiate the lift by driving through your heels, extending your hips and knees simultaneously to pull the bar off the floor. Keep the bar close to your body as you stand erect, shrugging your shoulders and pulling the bar into the clean position.
04
Explode upwards, driving the bar from your shoulders to an overhead lockout. Finish with elbows fully extended and the bar directly over your head, maintaining a tight core and stacked joints.
05
Control the descent by lowering the bar to your shoulders, then guiding it back to the floor with a controlled hinge at the hips and bend in the knees.

Tips

Due to the thick bar, focus on a hook grip if possible, or use ample chalk to maximize friction and prevent the bar from slipping, especially during the clean.
Think of the Apollon's Axle as a deadlift followed by a clean, then a press; master each segment individually before combining them for a smoother, more powerful lift.
Maintain a rigid core throughout the entire movement, from the initial pull to the overhead lockout, to protect your spine and efficiently transfer force.
Take a large breath and brace before each major phase (deadlift, clean, press) to create intra-abdominal pressure, enhancing stability and power.

Common mistakes

Lifting with a rounded lower back places excessive strain on the spine; always maintain a neutral spine by keeping your chest up and engaging your lats during the deadlift portion.
Failing to properly rack the bar on the shoulders during the clean results in the bar dropping or an unstable catch; ensure a powerful hip drive and a quick elbow rotation to securely receive the bar.
Relying solely on arm strength for the overhead press instead of using leg drive is inefficient; powerfully extend your knees and hips to generate momentum before pressing the bar overhead.

In the Ellim app, StrongMan Apollons Axle unlocks

Free — no subscription needed

Log sets, reps, and weight
Track every set as you train
See your strength curve
Performance graphs across all sessions
Add to a routine
Save into a custom workout in one tap
Rest timer with Live Activity
Dynamic Island countdown between sets
HealthKit sync
Workouts flow to Apple Health
3,500+ exercise library
Search, filter, and pick variations offline

Ready to train strongman apollons axle?

Get Ellim — Free

Questions

Is StrongMan Apollons Axle good for beginners?

StrongMan Apollons Axle is rated advanced. Beginners can still attempt it with lighter weight and careful form, but it's best to master easier variations first.

What equipment do I need for StrongMan Apollons Axle?

You need Barbell to perform StrongMan Apollons Axle. If you don't have this equipment, look for variations that target the same muscles with what you have available.

What are the best tips for StrongMan Apollons Axle?

Due to the thick bar, focus on a hook grip if possible, or use ample chalk to maximize friction and prevent the bar from slipping, especially during the clean. Think of the Apollon's Axle as a deadlift followed by a clean, then a press; master each segment individually before combining them for a smoother, more powerful lift. Maintain a rigid core throughout the entire movement, from the initial pull to the overhead lockout, to protect your spine and efficiently transfer force. Take a large breath and brace before each major phase (deadlift, clean, press) to create intra-abdominal pressure, enhancing stability and power.

What are common mistakes when doing StrongMan Apollons Axle?

Lifting with a rounded lower back places excessive strain on the spine; always maintain a neutral spine by keeping your chest up and engaging your lats during the deadlift portion. Failing to properly rack the bar on the shoulders during the clean results in the bar dropping or an unstable catch; ensure a powerful hip drive and a quick elbow rotation to securely receive the bar. Relying solely on arm strength for the overhead press instead of using leg drive is inefficient; powerfully extend your knees and hips to generate momentum before pressing the bar overhead.