Atlas Stone Press

The Atlas Stone Press is a Strongman event that tests raw strength, stability, and technical precision. Athletes lift a spherical, heavy stone from the ground to their chest and press it overhead. Unlike conventional pressing implements, the round and smooth surface of the stone makes it challenging to grip and stabilize, requiring exceptional strength, coordination, and control.

Event Description

The Atlas Stone Press involves lifting a heavy, spherical stone from the ground to chest height and pressing it overhead to full lockout. This event is a unique test of total-body strength, as the athlete must overcome the stone’s lack of handles, smooth surface, and awkward shape. Often performed for maximum weight, repetitions, or within a time limit, the Atlas Stone Press is a true spectacle of power and resilience.

Equipment Specifications

Implements and Setup

Atlas Stone: Made from concrete or similar dense materials, the stones vary in weight and diameter depending on the competition. Common weights range from 100 to 350 lbs or more.
Surface: Smooth and round, offering no grip points, which adds to the difficulty of the lift.
Starting Position: The stone begins on the ground.

Additional Specifications

Chalk is allowed to enhance grip.
Tacky may be permitted for grip assistance, depending on the event rules.
Belts, wrist wraps, and elbow sleeves are typically allowed.

Rules and Execution

Objective

Lift the Atlas Stone from the ground to the chest and press it overhead to full lockout for maximum weight, repetitions, or within a time limit.

Step-by-Step Execution

Setup:
- Approach the stone with feet shoulder-width apart. Crouch down and secure a firm grip under the stone using your hands and forearms.
Lift to Chest:
- Roll the stone onto your lap and position it securely. From your lap, transition the stone to your chest, keeping it close to your body for stability.
Press Overhead:
- Use leg drive and upper body strength to press the stone overhead. Adjust your grip as needed to maintain control during the press.
Lockout:
- Achieve full extension with arms straight, elbows locked, and the stone stabilized overhead. Wait for the judge’s signal to complete the lift.
Descent:
- Lower the stone safely to the ground or your lap. Dropping the stone may result in disqualification.

Good Lift Criteria

Full lockout with arms extended and the stone stabilized overhead.
The athlete must maintain control of the stone throughout the lift.
A successful lift is signaled by the judge.

Prohibited Practices

Dropping the stone from overhead.
Failing to achieve full lockout or stabilize the stone.
Using unauthorized equipment or grip aids, if prohibited by competition rules.

Primary Muscles Worked

The Atlas Stone Press primarily targets:

Shoulders and Triceps: For pressing strength and lockout power.
Core: To stabilize the stone during the lift.
Forearms and Grip: For handling the smooth and heavy stone.
Legs and Hips: For generating power during the press.

Training Tips

Practice Stone Lifting: Train with Atlas Stones or similar spherical objects to become familiar with their unique challenges.
Build Grip Strength: Incorporate exercises like farmer’s carries, fat-grip training, and dead hangs to enhance grip endurance.
Improve Stability: Train anti-rotational core exercises to handle the stone’s shifting weight.
Master Leg Drive: Use push presses and squats to develop the explosive power needed for the press.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Weak Grip: Failing to secure the stone properly can result in dropped lifts or loss of control.
Poor Stability: Neglecting core engagement increases the risk of imbalance during the press.
Inefficient Transitions: Rushing the movement from the lap to the chest can sap energy needed for the press.
Overarching the Back: Excessive leaning during the press increases injury risk and reduces efficiency.

Variations and Alternatives

Stone-to-Shoulder Press: Lift the stone to one shoulder and press it overhead for a unilateral strength challenge.
Sandbag Press: Use a heavy sandbag to mimic the instability and awkwardness of the stone.
Log Press: Train with a log to develop overhead strength in preparation for the stone press.

Scoring and Formats

Maximum Weight: Competitors aim to press the heaviest stone overhead in 1-3 attempts.
Repetition Challenge: Press a set-weight stone for maximum repetitions within a time limit.
Timed Event: Perform as many stone presses as possible within a designated timeframe.

Historical Context and Modern Implementation

The Atlas Stone Press is inspired by ancient strength challenges, where lifting and pressing large stones symbolized physical prowess. Modern Strongman competitions have embraced this event as a way to test raw power and technical skill. Today, standardized concrete stones are used to provide consistent challenges while maintaining the essence of the traditional lift.

Real-Life Applications

Training for the Atlas Stone Press builds functional strength for real-world tasks, such as lifting and handling heavy, awkward objects. The event enhances grip strength, core stability, and overall resilience, making it a valuable component of any strength training program.

Conclusion

The Atlas Stone Press is a demanding and iconic Strongman event that combines raw strength, stability, and technique. Its unique challenges make it a thrilling competition favorite and an essential training tool for building functional power. Mastering the Atlas Stone Press is a testament to an athlete’s resilience and capability.