Take a look at this deadlift variation I’m doing in the video below.

Nothing earth-shattering here, right? It looks like I’m not lifting much weight—except when you consider that I’m using the Apollon’s Axle. This 2-inch bar is much thicker than the standard Olympic barbell, which is about half the diameter.

And by doing these deadlifts in a slow, controlled fashion from a 4-inch deficit, the time under tension is extended, which further challenges your grip strength. Trust me, you can’t use too much weight when you do them in this manner.

These thick-grip deficit deadlifts are placed strategically in a periodized plan—they’re not just a random addition. It’s an assistance exercise (B1) on a lower-body workout that follows three phases of Goerner deadlifts (more on those here). The objective, of course, is to improve gripping strength specifically for the deadlift.

If you’re tired of using straps, give this sequence a shot!