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StrongmanexpertOther

Atlas Stones

Primary
Lower Back
Secondary
Abdominals, Adductors, Biceps, Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Middle Back, Quadriceps, Traps
Equipment
Other
Level
expert

Atlas Stones demonstration

Atlas Stones, starting position
Atlas Stones, starting position
Atlas Stones, finishing position
Atlas Stones, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1Begin 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. 2Pulling the stone into your torso, drive through the back half of your feet to pull the stone from the ground.
  3. 3As the stone passes the knees, lap it by sitting backward, pulling the stone on top of your thighs.
  4. 4Sit 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.

Video Tutorial

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
  • •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
  • •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
Lower BackAbdominalsAdductorsBicepsCalvesForearmsGlutesHamstringsMiddle BackQuadricepsTraps

Exercise Details

Category
Strongman
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Level
expert

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Atlas Stones work?

Atlas Stones primarily targets the Lower Back. It also works the Abdominals, Adductors, Biceps, Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Middle Back, Quadriceps, Traps as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Atlas Stones?

Atlas Stones requires Other.

Is Atlas Stones suitable for beginners?

Atlas Stones is classified as expert level. Beginners should master foundational movements first.

Alternatives to Atlas Stones

Substitute any of these when the equipment is taken or unavailable. They train the same primary muscles.