Log Lift

How to do the Log Lift

1. Begin standing with the log in front of you. Grasp the handles, and begin to clean the log. As you are bent over to start the clean, attempt to get the log as high as possible, pulling it into your chest. Extend through the hips and knees to bring it up to complete the clean.
2. Push your head back and look up, creating a shelf on your chest to rest the log. Begin the press by dipping, flexing slightly through the knees and reversing the motion. This push press will generate momentum to start the log moving vertically. Continue by extending through the elbows to press the log above your head. There are no strict rules on form, so use whatever techniques you are most efficient with. As the log is pressed, ensure that you push your head through on each repetition, looking forward.
3. Repeat as many times as possible. Attempt to control the descent of the log as it is returned to the ground.

Muscles worked

Role	Muscles
Primary	shoulders
Secondary	abs, chest, glutes, hamstrings, lower back, middle back, quads, traps, triceps
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.

Iron Cross Dumbbell Clean and Press Barbell Clean and Jerk Barbell Handstand Push-Ups Bodyweight Kettlebell Turkish Get-Up (Lunge style) Kettlebell Kettlebell Turkish Get-Up (Squat style) Kettlebell

Easier than the Log Lift

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

Anti-Gravity Press beginner · Barbell Medicine Ball Scoop Throw beginner · Medicine Ball Return Push from Stance beginner · Medicine Ball

Harder than the Log Lift

Handstand Push-Ups expert · Bodyweight Push Press expert · Barbell Clean and Jerk expert · Barbell

Common questions

What muscles does the Log Lift work?

The Log Lift primarily works the shoulders, with the abs, chest, glutes, hamstrings, lower back, mid back, quads, traps, and triceps as secondary movers. Clean and Press, Circus Bell, and Clean and Jerk train the same muscle, across 9 equipment types.

What equipment do you need for the Log Lift?

The Right Equipment. Without the right equipment, Iron Cross, Clean and Press, and Clean and Jerk train the same muscle, and 10 of the catalogue's options for this muscle need no equipment.

Is the Log Lift suitable for beginners?

It is rated intermediate. Start with Anti-Gravity Press, Medicine Ball Scoop Throw, and Return Push from Stance and work up.

Where should the Log Lift go in a workout?

Early — the Log Lift is compound, working 10 muscle groups, so run it first or second while you are fresh.

Similar exercises

Clean and Press Barbell Circus Bell Other Equipment Clean and Jerk Barbell Iron Cross Dumbbell Landmine Linear Jammer Barbell Jerk Balance Barbell