Have you ever considered if there’s a smarter approach to strength training, one that moves beyond simply lifting heavier weights? Andrew Page, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach, certainly did. After a decade of working with athletes, he recognized a crucial insight: building strength doesn’t always require isolating muscles with heavy weights. He discovered that movement-focused exercises using lighter equipment, performed consistently over time, could be just as effective, if not more so, for overall athletic development. This realization led him to pioneer a method of preparing athletes for peak performance through lighter, more holistic body movements.
This innovative thinking sparked the creation of AXLE, a unique fitness tool. The concept, as Page recounts, “first written on a napkin in 2014,” has materialized into a product that’s as functional as it is intriguing. Resembling a car’s axle in form (hence the name), the AXLE is constructed from a durable aluminum bar fitted with high-grade plastic wheels at each end – the same robust plastic used in components requiring exceptional resilience. Despite its seemingly light weight of 11.4 pounds, it can withstand loads up to 350 pounds and mirrors the dimensions of a standard barbell, accommodating regular weights effortlessly. Don’t be deceived by its weight; AXLE workouts are intensely effective. Teaming up with medical professional Anuj Patel, Page began marketing AXLE in early 2016. By the summer of that year, AXLE classes were in full swing, filling the rooftop of Manhattan’s exclusive Clay Health Club.
I experienced an AXLE class firsthand on a late September evening, on the rooftop of Clay Gym, a short distance from Union Square. Due to the fading daylight – the 6:30 PM class started close to sunset – the group was small, just four participants, led by the AXLE founder himself. This intimate setting was both a boon and a bit daunting. The personalized attention was welcome, yet as someone whose exercise routine is sporadic at best (mostly sprinting for the subway), I felt a touch apprehensive.
My initial impression of the AXLE equipment was surprise at its lightness. Lifting it felt almost effortless. However, this perception shifted dramatically once we incorporated squats, jumps, and lunges. In sets that varied from eight repetitions for more challenging exercises to twenty for less demanding ones, we moved the AXLEs in sync with the rhythm of current EDM tracks – all exercises are synchronized to a curated soundtrack. The intensity ramped up quickly, and I soon found myself stepping out to grab water from the gym downstairs.
Clay Gym itself is noteworthy, home to several unique fitness classes and upscale amenities, including a marble chess set and a fireplace, alongside classes with names like “Fight Club.”
Despite being a relatively new fitness method, AXLE appears to have garnered a dedicated following. Two of my classmates that evening were featured in AXLE’s Instagram posts and are now AXLE instructors themselves, some leading classes with a dance-focused approach. While dance-based AXLE classes sound appealing, I realized I needed to improve my basic cardio fitness first. Keeping pace with the music as a beginner was challenging, and I often had to skip a beat or two to regain synchronization with the class. Thankfully, Page provided modifications for each exercise, allowing us to adjust the intensity to our individual fitness levels.
For instance, after performing squats with the AXLE and then explosively jumping while extending our arms overhead, the standard progression involved rolling the AXLE forward into a full push-up. A modification offered was to roll forward into just a plank position. While this adjustment might seem minor, it was significant, making the difference between keeping up with the workout and falling behind. Throughout the session, Page maintained an ideal balance of energetic encouragement and clear instruction – motivating without being overly zealous.
Due to the wheeled design of the AXLE, and perhaps my novice upper body strength, I initially worried about it rolling away. However, it remained securely in place throughout the workout. Despite sweating, pausing, modifying exercises, and perhaps a moment of silent struggle, I completed the session without injury. I even experienced the endorphin rush afterwards, happily walking home with a friend who had reluctantly joined me. He too, was pleasantly surprised by the novel muscle challenge and the enjoyment of exercising on a rooftop during that perfect New York fall evening.
The AXLE is designed for portability; it can be disassembled by separating the aluminum bar from the wheels and stored in a circular carrying case, resembling a drum bag. It is expected to retail between $200 and $300. To discover more about AXLE workouts and find classes, visit the AXLE website.
