Natural Stone Press

The Natural Stone Press is a classic Strongman event that emphasizes raw strength, stability, and adaptability. Competitors lift an irregularly shaped natural stone from the ground, position it at the chest, and press it overhead to full lockout. The uneven surfaces, awkward weight distribution, and lack of handles make this event a pure test of an athlete’s ability to manage unpredictable loads.

Event Description

The Natural Stone Press involves lifting a natural, unrefined stone from the ground or a platform, stabilizing it at the chest, and pressing it overhead. The stone’s uneven weight and irregular shape require incredible grip strength, core stability, and precision. This event often focuses on maximum weight, repetitions, or performance within a time limit, showcasing an athlete’s brute power and versatility.

Equipment Specifications

Implements and Setup

Natural Stone: Stones vary in size, shape, and weight, ranging from 100 to over 300 lbs. The irregularity of the stone adds significant challenge compared to standardized implements.
Starting Position: The stone typically starts on the ground or on a low platform.
Surface: Stones may be rough or smooth, increasing grip difficulty.

Additional Specifications

Chalk is permitted to enhance grip.
Tacky, lifting straps, or other grip aids are generally prohibited.
Athletes may wear lifting belts and protective gear to support their performance.

Rules and Execution

Objective

Lift the natural 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. Bend down and secure a strong grip on the stone’s edges or surface.
Lift to Chest: Use a controlled motion to bring the stone to your lap, then roll or lift it to chest height. Stabilize the stone against your body.
Press Overhead: Engage your legs, core, and shoulders to drive the stone overhead. Adjust hand placement as necessary to maintain control.
Lockout: Achieve full extension with arms locked and the stone stabilized overhead. Wait for the judge’s signal before lowering.
Descent: Lower the stone safely to the ground or platform. Dropping the stone may result in disqualification.

Good Lift Criteria

Full lockout overhead with arms extended and the stone stabilized.
The athlete must demonstrate control of the stone throughout the lift.
The lift is deemed successful when the judge signals approval.

Prohibited Practices

Dropping the stone from overhead.
Failing to achieve full lockout or stabilize the stone.
Using unauthorized equipment like straps or tacky.

Primary Muscles Worked

The Natural Stone Press primarily targets:

Shoulders and Triceps: For pressing power and lockout strength.
Core: For balance and stabilization during the lift.
Forearms and Grip: To manage the irregular shape and weight of the stone.
Legs and Hips: For generating explosive power during the press.

Training Tips

Grip Training: Build hand and forearm strength with farmer’s carries and fat-grip exercises.
Core Stability: Incorporate rotational and anti-rotational core exercises to handle the stone’s shifting weight.
Leg Drive: Focus on push presses and explosive squats to enhance pressing power.
Practice with Stones: Train with natural stones to improve familiarity with irregular shapes and weight distribution.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Poor Grip: Failing to secure the stone properly can result in dropped lifts or loss of control.
Rushing the Lift: Skipping proper setup or stabilization increases the risk of failed attempts.
Overarching the Back: Leaning too far back reduces efficiency and increases injury risk.

Variations and Alternatives

Atlas Stone Press: Use a spherical stone for a slightly different challenge that still emphasizes raw strength.
Sandbag Press: Train with a sandbag to mimic the instability and unpredictability of a natural stone.
Barbell Press: Build foundational overhead strength with a barbell before transitioning to natural implements.

Scoring and Formats

Maximum Weight: Athletes attempt 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: Press as many stones as possible within a designated timeframe.

Historical Context and Modern Implementation

The Natural Stone Press draws from ancient strength challenges, where lifting and pressing large stones were feats of power and skill. Modern Strongman competitions continue this tradition, preserving the raw and primal nature of the lift. Today, competitors use natural stones sourced locally, adding an authentic and unpredictable element to the event.

Real-Life Applications

Training for the Natural Stone Press develops practical strength for real-world tasks, such as lifting and handling heavy, awkward objects. This event enhances grip strength, stability, and adaptability, making it highly applicable to both athletic and everyday challenges.

Conclusion

The Natural Stone Press is a quintessential Strongman event that tests an athlete’s ability to handle unpredictable and irregular loads. Its raw and unrefined nature makes it both challenging and rewarding, offering unique benefits for strength and functional fitness. Whether competing or training, mastering the Natural Stone Press builds unmatched resilience and power.