Exercise library / Lower back

Atlas Stones

Main muscles
Lower back
Also works
Abs, Adductors, Biceps, Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Middle back, Quads, Traps
Level
Expert
Type
Compound · Pull

How to do it

  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.

Quick answers

What muscles does the Atlas Stones work?
Mainly the lower back, with help from the abs, adductors, biceps, calves, forearms, glutes, hamstrings, middle back, quads, traps.
What equipment do I need?
Other equipment.
Is it good for beginners?
It is rated expert level, so learn simpler versions first.
How do I track progress on it?
Log each set and beat the weight or reps from last time. Liftrung shows your last set beside the next one and estimates your one-rep max from your sets.

More lower back exercises

Exercise descriptions: free-exercise-db, public domain.