​Every so often, you’ve got to shake up training with a little mad science.

This past week’s experiment...​
.. bolting the Voltra 1 from Beyond Power onto my 2 inch diameter smooth axle bar for double overhand deadlifts and seeing what kind of chaos I could summon.

Round 1: Standard Mode​
I warmed up using the Voltra’s “Standard Weight” setting.
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Honestly? Meh. It’s just weight slapped onto the ends of the bar — no better than throwing on plates the old-school way.
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Fun toy, but no sorcery.

Round 2: Chains Mode — enter the monster​
Here’s where things got spicy. The Voltra has a “Chains Mode” that increases load as you reach the top of the lift.
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Imagine chains, but cleaner — no rattling on the floor, no uneven pull — just pure, escalating brutality.

• I ramped through 7 total sets, adding more overall load and more “chain” resistance each time.
• My peak bar weight = 245 lbs.
• Plus 55 lbs in chains at the top.
• That’s 300 lbs at lockout — pulled a few doubles with an isometric pause just to marinate in the pain.

The Numbers:​
For context, my heaviest gym pull this past week on the axle was 275 lbs for singles and my all time PR on this bar is 285 lbs. This setup took me 25 lbs beyond my gym best at the top of the lift.

Hands were smoked, nervous system buzzing, grip screaming for mercy.

The Plan Going Forward:​
I’m going to progressively swap out bar weight for chain weight — essentially biasing more and more load toward the end range.
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The hypothesis? More overload = stronger.

Caveat for the Purists:​
Yes, the Voltra’s cables reduce some bar rotation, making the axle a touch easier than raw as the bar wanted to roll out of your hand is typically the rate limiter on a grip based lift with a 2 inch bar.
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..But experiments aren’t about dogma — they’re about testing, measuring, adapting. This week’s test = success.

Takeaway:​
Training is a laboratory.
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Sometimes the variables don’t pan out.
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But sometimes you plug a new device into the chaos matrix, and it spits out adaptation. That’s what happened here.

Coach’s Note — Practical Takeaway

Even if you never touch a Voltra1:

• Play with load distribution. Don’t always chase total bar weight; tweak where the load hits hardest.
• Use isometric pauses. Holding heavy weight at lockout teaches your nervous system to own the top end aka completion of the lift.
• Think experiments > dogma. Sometimes the weird tweak reveals a new path forward.

If you want to learn more about the Beyond Power Voltra 1, check out the link below

>> Beyond Power Voltra 1 <<

Yes it is an affiliate link. I love it so much I asked Elliot the CEO if I could be an affiliate for them.

It is not cheap, but neither is a cable stack and this little device can do a ton more too.

Much love, chaos, and new PRs!
Dr. Mike
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PS - My fav work on it is doing heavy eccentric work automatically Any questions on the Voltra 1, just hit reply here - happy to chat.

_____________________

Mike T Nelson CISSN, CSCS, MSME, PhD
Associate Professor, Carrick Institute
Owner, Extreme Human Performance, LLC
Editorial Board Member, STRONG Fitness Mag

Mike T Nelson is a PhD and not a physician or registered dietitian. The contents of this email should not be taken as medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health problem - nor is it intended to replace the advice of a physician. Always consult your physician or qualified health professional on any matters regarding your health.

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