Axle Deadlift

How to do the Axle Deadlift

1. Approach the bar so that it is centered over your feet. You feet should be about hip width apart. Bend at the hip to grip the bar at shoulder width, allowing your shoulder blades to protract. Typically, you would use an over/under grip.
2. With your feet and your grip set, take a big breath and then lower your hips and flex the knees until your shins contact the bar. Look forward with your head, keep your chest up and your back arched, and begin driving through the heels to move the weight upward.
3. After the bar passes the knees, aggressively pull the bar back, pulling your shoulder blades together as you drive your hips forward into the bar.
4. Lower the bar by bending at the hips and guiding it to the floor.

Muscles worked

Role	Muscles
Primary	lower back
Secondary	forearms, glutes, hamstrings, middle back, quads, traps
Equipment	other equipment
Difficulty	intermediate
Type	compound

No other equipment? Train the same muscles with these

Ordered by how likely you are to own the 6 options.

Hyperextensions With No Hyperextension Bench Bodyweight Barbell Deadlift Barbell Crossover Reverse Lunge Bodyweight Deadlift with Bands Barbell Deadlift with Chains Barbell Deficit Deadlift Barbell

Easier than the Axle Deadlift

Same movement pattern, lower entry difficulty — work up from here.

Hyperextensions (Back Extensions) beginner · Other Equipment

Harder than the Axle Deadlift

Reverse Band Deadlift expert · Barbell Deadlift with Chains expert · Barbell Deadlift with Bands expert · Barbell

Common questions

What muscles does the Axle Deadlift work?

The Axle Deadlift primarily works the lower back, with the forearms, glutes, hamstrings, mid back, quads, and traps as secondary movers. Atlas Stones, Keg Load, and Atlas Stone Trainer train the same muscle, across 5 equipment types.

What equipment do you need for the Axle Deadlift?

The Right Equipment. Without the right equipment, Hyperextensions With No Hyperextension Bench, Barbell Deadlift, and Crossover Reverse Lunge train the same muscle, and 9 of the catalogue's options for this muscle need no equipment.

Is the Axle Deadlift suitable for beginners?

It is rated intermediate. Start with Hyperextensions (Back Extensions) and work up.

Where should the Axle Deadlift go in a workout?

Early — the Axle Deadlift is compound, working 7 muscle groups, so run it first or second while you are fresh.

Similar exercises

Atlas Stones Other Equipment Keg Load Other Equipment Atlas Stone Trainer Other Equipment Barbell Deadlift Barbell Deadlift with Bands Barbell Deadlift with Chains Barbell