Atlas Stones

Atlas Stones — Start position
Start position
Atlas Stones — End position
End position
Region
Lumbar & Core
Equipment
Other
Category
Strongman
Level
Expert
Mechanic
compound
Force
pull

Muscles worked

  • lower back
  • abdominals
  • adductors
  • biceps
  • calves
  • forearms
  • glutes
  • hamstrings
  • middle back
  • quadriceps
  • traps

Filled = primary · Outlined = secondary

Source: Free Exercise DB (public domain)

How to perform

  1. 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.

  2. Pulling the stone into your torso, drive through the back half of your feet to pull the stone from the ground.

  3. As the stone passes the knees, lap it by sitting backward, pulling the stone on top of your thighs.

  4. 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.

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