Strongman training is built around lifting and moving heavy, often awkward objects that challenge the entire body. Unlike traditional gym equipment designed for isolated muscle training, strongman implements are designed to test real-world strength, stability, grip, and work capacity.
Athletes train with these implements to prepare for strongman competitions where multiple events test different aspects of strength and athletic ability.
A well-equipped strongman facility includes a variety of tools that allow athletes to train pressing strength, deadlifting power, grip strength, carrying ability, and loading mechanics.
This guide explains the most common strongman equipment used in training and competition.
Core Strongman Implements
Log Press
The log press is one of the most iconic strongman events. Athletes clean a large cylindrical log from the ground and press it overhead.
Unlike a barbell press, the log requires athletes to manage a thick diameter implement that challenges grip strength and positioning.
Log presses are commonly used in:
• Max Weight Overhead Events
• Repetition Press Events
• Medleys
Atlas Stones
Atlas stones are large spherical stones that athletes lift from the ground and load onto platforms or over bars.
This event develops:
• Hip Extension Strength
• Grip Strength
• Upper Back Power
• Loading Technique
Atlas stones are often used in a series of increasing weights during competition.
Yoke
The yoke walk involves carrying a large frame loaded with weight across the shoulders while walking a specified distance.
Yoke events challenge:
• Core Stability
• Leg Strength
• Balance Under Heavy Load
• Speed With Heavy Weight
Heavy yokes can exceed 800 to 1000 pounds in competition.
Farmers Carry Handles
Farmers carry handles are used in events where athletes must carry heavy weights in each hand over a set distance.
This event develops:
• Grip Strength
• Upper Back Strength
• Core Stability
• Speed Under Load
Farmers carries are often performed for time over distances ranging from 50 to 100 feet.
Axle Bars
Axle bars are thick barbells that do not rotate like traditional Olympic bars. Their larger diameter makes them much harder to grip.
Axle bars are used for:
• Deadlifts
• Overhead Pressing
• Clean and Press Events
Because the bar is thicker, athletes must develop significant hand and forearm strength.
Additional Strongman Equipment
Many strongman competitions include specialty implements designed to test different aspects of strength.
Common additional implements include:
• Sandbags
• Kegs
• Tires
• Sleds
• Circus Dumbbells
• Conan’s Wheel
• Car Deadlift Frames
• Viking Press Machines
Each of these implements introduces unique challenges such as shifting loads, unstable handles, or awkward shapes.
Training Equipment vs Competition Equipment
Strongman athletes typically use two types of equipment:
Training Implements
These allow athletes to practice the movements and build strength safely. Training versions often allow adjustable weight so athletes can gradually increase difficulty.
Competition Implements
Competition implements are often heavier, less adjustable, and sometimes more awkward than training equipment.
Training with similar implements helps athletes develop the technical skills needed for competition.
Why Strongman Equipment Is Different
Strongman equipment is designed to simulate real-world lifting challenges. Instead of perfectly balanced barbells, athletes must control objects that shift, roll, or move unpredictably.
Training with these implements develops:
• Total-Body Strength
• Grip Strength
• Explosive Power
• Stability Under Load
• Work Capacity
These qualities make strongman one of the most demanding strength sports.
Training With Strongman Equipment
Because strongman implements are rarely found in commercial gyms, athletes often train in facilities designed specifically for strength sports.
Gyms that specialize in strongman typically provide:
• Atlas Stones
• Logs
• Yokes
• Farmers Handles
• Axle Bars
• Deadlift Platforms
• Event Training Areas
Training in a facility equipped for strongman allows athletes to practice the exact movements used in competition while developing the strength required for success.
Learning Strongman Equipment Properly
For beginners, learning how to use strongman equipment safely is an important part of training. Many implements require specific techniques that differ from traditional barbell lifting.
Athletes often benefit from:
• Coaching
• Workshops
• Training With Experienced Athletes
• Practicing Event Technique
Understanding how to handle these implements efficiently allows athletes to lift heavier weights while reducing the risk of injury.
Strongman equipment ultimately allows athletes to develop a level of strength that extends far beyond traditional gym training.
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