Atlas Stones

The ultimate strongman lift involving picking up and loading heavy spherical stones onto platforms. Develops unmatched full-body strength and mental toughness.

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Category: strongman
Level: advanced
Force: pull
Mechanic: compound
Equipment: other

Instructions

Begin with the atlas stone between your feet. Bend at the hips to wrap your arms vertically around the Atlas Stone, attempting to get your fingers underneath the stone. Many stones will have a small flat portion on the bottom, which will make the stone easier to hold.
Pulling the stone into your torso, drive through the back half of your feet to pull the stone from the ground.
As the stone passes the knees, lap it by sitting backward, pulling the stone on top of your thighs.
Sit low, getting the stone high onto your chest as you change your grip to reach over the stone. Stand, driving through with your hips. Close distance to the loading platform, and lean back, extending the hips to get the stone as high as possible.

Tips

Wrap arms vertically around stone with fingers underneath
Pull stone into torso before attempting to lift
Use tacky or chalk for better grip
Drive through back half of feet during initial pull

Common mistakes

Not getting fingers properly underneath stone
Attempting to lift without lapping first
Not maintaining close contact with stone throughout lift

Safety

Extremely high risk exercise requiring proper technique and conditioning. Risk of severe back injury, bicep tears, and finger injuries. Only attempt with proper coaching and progression.

Variations

Atlas Stone Trainer
Stone To Shoulder
Stone Shouldering
Stone Loading
Natural Stone Lift