Log Lift

An intermediate strength exercise for the shoulders, abs, chest, glutes, hamstrings, back, quads and triceps.

Movement guide

Log Lift

Demand · source-assignedMedium (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredOther / check instructions

Muscle focusShoulders · Abs · Chest · Glutes · Hamstrings · Back · Quads · Triceps

Written instructions available. A verified 3D demonstration has not been built for this variation.

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

Scapular push-up (push-up plus) demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoScapular push-up (push-up plus)Beginner · No equipment

Similar move, beginner grade.

This move

Log LiftIntermediate · Other / check instructions

Intermediate grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Side plank with leg lift demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSide plank with leg liftAdvanced · No equipment

Similar move, advanced grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

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.
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.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

Add to a routine Log a session

Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Shoulders. Also: Abs, Chest, Glutes, Hamstrings, Back, Quads, Triceps.

Equipment

Other / check instructions

Level

Intermediate (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Bodyweight get-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBodyweight get-upIntermediate · No equipment

Freestanding handstand demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoFreestanding handstandExpert · No equipment

Inchworm walkout demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoInchworm walkoutIntermediate · No equipment

Pike push-up demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoPike push-upIntermediate · No equipment

Ring support hold demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoRing support holdIntermediate · Gymnastic rings

Tuck planche demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoTuck plancheExpert · No equipment

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Log Lift work?

Mainly the shoulders, with help from the abs, chest, glutes, hamstrings, back, quads and triceps.

What equipment do I need for the Log Lift?

Other / check instructions.

Is the Log Lift good for beginners?

It is graded intermediate. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. If it is too hard right now, start with the Scapular push-up (push-up plus).

What is an easier alternative to the Log Lift?

Try the Scapular push-up (push-up plus). It works similar muscles at a lower grade.

How do I make the Log Lift harder?

Progress to the Side plank with leg lift, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.