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he Axle Bar Clean and Press is a staple event in Strongman competitions, known for its difficulty due to the thicker bar, which challenges grip strength significantly. This event is featured in many Strongman and Feats of Strength competitions, and it is used to establish State, National, and World Records in various Strength Sports organizations.
Event Description
In the Axle Bar Clean and Press, competitors lift a thick, non-revolving bar from the ground to the chest (clean) and then press it overhead. The bar’s increased diameter makes gripping more challenging, adding a unique difficulty compared to a standard barbell.
Rules and Execution
- Objective: Lift the axle bar from the ground to the chest (clean), then press it overhead for maximum weight or maximum repetitions.
- Grip: Athletes must use a double overhand grip or a mixed grip due to the bar’s thickness. Lifting straps are not allowed, emphasizing grip strength.
Execution:
- Starting Position: The axle bar starts on the ground, positioned over the midfoot. Competitors stand with feet hip-width apart, knees bent, and grip the bar with both hands.
- Clean: The competitor lifts the bar by extending the hips and knees simultaneously, bringing the bar to the chest. Due to the bar’s thickness, a continental clean (resting the bar on the stomach before lifting it to the chest) is often used.
- Press Overhead: From the chest, the athlete uses leg drive and upper body strength to press the bar overhead. The lift is complete when the athlete stands fully erect with arms locked out and the bar stabilized overhead.
- Lockout: At the top of the press, the athlete must demonstrate full control with elbows locked and the bar held steady overhead. The lift is considered successful once the judge signals approval.
- Descent: After a successful lift, the competitor must lower the bar back to the ground under control. Dropping the bar from overhead may result in disqualification or a penalty.
Good Lift Criteria:
- The lift is counted as successful if the athlete presses the bar overhead with elbows locked and demonstrates full control.
- The athlete must wait for the judge’s signal before lowering the bar.
Prohibited Practices:
- The use of lifting straps is not allowed.
- Lifting hooks or non-standard lifting aids are prohibited.
- Competitors may not drop the bar from overhead.
Allowed Equipment:
- Belt for core support
- Chalk to improve grip
- Knee wraps or sleeves
- Forearm sleeves
Scoring and Variations
- Maximum Weight: The primary objective is to lift and press the heaviest possible weight for a single repetition. Competitors typically have three attempts to achieve their maximum lift.
- Repetition Challenge: Some variations of the event focus on the number of repetitions completed at a set weight within a given time limit.
- Form and Technique: Competitors should carefully review the competition rules to understand the specifics of allowed techniques, such as the continental clean, and any penalties for improper form.
Equipment Specifications
- Axle Bar: The bar used in this event is a thick, non-revolving axle bar, typically around 2 inches in diameter.
- Weight: The axle bar is typically loaded with weights to achieve the desired competition weight. The weights are evenly distributed to ensure balance during the lift.
The Axle Bar Clean and Press is a rigorous test of an athlete’s grip strength, upper body power, and overall lifting technique. Its unique demands and challenging nature make it a highlight event in Strongman competitions, showcasing the raw power and skill of the competitors. Learn the Axle Bar Clean and Press at Grinder Gym.