Which is Tougher: The Axle Clean and Press or the Log Clean and Press?
When it comes to strongman events, few movements command as much respect as the axle clean and press and the log clean and press. These lifts test raw power, coordination, grip strength, and total-body athleticism. But which is tougher? In this blog, we’ll highlight the similarities and differences between these two iconic strongman lifts, diving into the muscles used, grip considerations, and the unique challenges of each. By the end, we’ll crown one as the tougher lift — or at least provide the tools to form your own conclusion.
Muscles Used in the Axle and Log Clean and Press
Both the axle and log clean and press are full-body movements that recruit a vast array of muscles. However, the slight variations in technique and equipment emphasize different muscle groups to varying degrees.
Primary Movers
Shoulders (Deltoids): The press portion of both lifts heavily relies on the shoulders for power.
Triceps: Essential for locking out the press at the top.
Upper Back (Trapezius): Stabilizes the weight during the clean and supports the overhead position.
Quadriceps and Glutes: Vital during the clean and leg drive phases.
Core (Abdominals and Obliques): Stabilizes the spine and transfers power throughout the lift.
Differences in Emphasis
Axle Clean and Press: The thinner diameter of the axle allows for a more extended range of motion during the clean, demanding more from the hamstrings and lower back to generate sufficient power. Additionally, strict pressing the axle taxes the shoulders and triceps more due to the absence of “rolling” assistance from the log.
Log Clean and Press: The larger diameter shifts the weight farther from your center of gravity, requiring significant upper back and bicep strength to stabilize the log during the clean. The neutral grip also shifts emphasis toward the anterior deltoids during the press.
Grip Differences
One of the most defining features of these two lifts is the grip, which directly affects the difficulty and mechanics of the movements.
Axle Grip
The axle bar is typically 2 inches in diameter, much thicker than a standard barbell. Its lack of knurling requires exceptional grip strength, especially during the clean. To overcome this challenge, many lifters use a double overhand grip initially, often transitioning to a mixed grip or utilizing the continental clean technique to secure the bar.
The thinner profile of the axle means it’s easier to secure during the press portion, but holding the axle in place during the clean tests both grip and wrist stability.
Log Grip
The log features a much thicker diameter, usually around 10-12 inches, with handles set in a neutral grip position. This neutral grip is easier on the wrists and shoulders but presents its own challenges. The thickness of the log requires you to cradle it against your chest, demanding significant upper body stability.
Additionally, gripping the log can feel less secure than the axle, as the handles don’t allow for as much freedom to adjust hand positioning.
Range of Motion and Body Positioning
The diameter of the equipment also plays a crucial role in the mechanics of these lifts.
Axle Clean and Press
The axle’s thinner diameter means the lifter’s range of motion remains relatively normal. However, because it lacks the ergonomic handles of the log, the wrist and forearm positioning can be less comfortable. The clean involves a higher pull and often a more complex series of movements, especially if using the continental clean.
Log Clean and Press
The log’s thickness significantly limits range of motion, as the lifter must lift the log from the floor to their lap, then roll it up their chest to the rack position. The larger diameter shifts the center of gravity forward, making stabilization more challenging. However, because the range of motion is shorter than the axle’s, lifters often find the clean portion of the log press to be less taxing on their posterior chain.
Power Output and Strict Pressing
When it comes to pressing, both lifts present unique challenges, but the axle often proves more taxing due to its specific demands.
Axle Press
The axle’s thinner profile allows for a longer range of motion during the press, making it harder to execute with strict form. Lifters must generate significant shoulder and tricep power to move the bar from the chest to overhead. Additionally, the lack of rolling assistance means the lifter must engage their core and upper back muscles more to stabilize the bar throughout the lift.
Log Press
The log’s design allows for a rolling motion during the clean, which helps position the log onto the chest more efficiently. The neutral grip and shorter pressing range of motion reduce the strain on the shoulders. However, the log’s larger size often makes it harder to balance overhead, requiring greater stabilizer muscle engagement during the lockout phase.
Athleticism and Technique
The axle clean and press demands a blend of raw strength and refined technique. The continental clean, often used for the axle, requires precise timing and coordination to roll the bar up to the rack position without losing grip or balance.
In contrast, the log clean and press demands brute strength, particularly in the clean. The rolling motion of the log clean, while challenging, can feel more intuitive to some lifters. However, maintaining balance during the press often tests the lifter’s overall stability.
Conclusion: Which is Tougher?
Based on the demands of grip strength, power output, and athleticism, the axle clean and press edges out as the tougher lift. The combination of its thicker grip, extended range of motion, and technical requirements make it a true test of overall strength and coordination. The log clean and press, while incredibly challenging in its own right, allows for some mechanical advantages, such as the rolling clean and neutral grip, which can make it slightly more accessible to athletes with limited wrist or shoulder mobility.
In the end, both lifts are cornerstones of strongman training, and excelling at either requires a mix of raw power, technical precision, and relentless determination. Whether you’re preparing for a competition or simply testing your limits, mastering these movements will undoubtedly push your strength and skill to new heights.