How to Do Atlas Stone Trainer
Start and end of one clean rep of Atlas Stone Trainer.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Back |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads, Forearms, Core |
| Equipment | Machine |
| Category | Strongman |
How to perform Atlas Stone Trainer
- This trainer is effective for developing Atlas Stone strength for those who don't have access to stones, and are typically made from bar ends or heavy pipe.
- Begin by loading the desired weight onto the bar. Straddle the weight, wrapping your arms around the implement, bending at the hips.
- Begin by pulling the weight up past the knees, extending through the hips. As the weight clears the knees, it can be lapped by resting it on your thighs and sitting back, hugging it tightly to your chest.
- Finish the movement by extending through your hips and knees to raise the weight as high as possible. The weight can be returned to the lap or to the ground for successive repetitions.
Muscles worked
- Back (primary): pulls the arms down and toward the torso and keeps the spine stable.
- Glutes (secondary): extends and stabilises the hip — the engine behind hinges, squats and sprints.
- Hamstrings (secondary): bends the knee and extends the hip through hinges and pulls.
- Quads (secondary): extends the knee to drive squats, lunges and jumps.
- Forearms (secondary): controls your grip and keeps the wrist steady under load.
- Core (secondary): braces the trunk and resists twisting to protect the spine.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Start each rep by pulling the shoulder blades in first, then drive with the elbows — think of pulling with the elbows, not the hands.
- Set the seat and pads so the machine's pivot lines up with the joint you're training before your first rep.
- Brace hard and keep a neutral spine; loaded odd-object work punishes a loose torso fast.
- Warm up the pattern with a couple of lighter, submaximal sets before your working sets.
Common mistakes
- Yanking with the arms and forgetting the back, so the biceps give out before the target muscle does.
- Leaving the seat or range on a setting that forces the joint into an awkward angle.
- Letting the torso round the moment the object leaves the floor.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Atlas Stone Trainer work?
Atlas Stone Trainer mainly works the back, with the glutes, hamstrings, quads, forearms, core helping as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for Atlas Stone Trainer?
Atlas Stone Trainer needs the corresponding weight-stack or plate-loaded machine.
How many sets and reps should I do for Atlas Stone Trainer?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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