NATURAL STONE LIFTING

Okay, this isn’t exactly ‘the basics’

But hear us out.

Natural stone lifting is up there with some of the most rewarding stuff you can do in the gym. Provided you move well, are relatively pain free and adaptable - there’s a compelling argument that you should be doing them! Here’s why

THEY ARE AWKWARD!

Really awkward! There are no convenient handles, soft padding or evenly distributed weight.. Natural stones weren't built to be picked up - in fact, they often feel like they have been purposefully crafted to not be picked up. They can claim some skin, poke you, bruise you and throw you off balance. Therein lies the benefit.

In life, we have to move awkward stuff - a sofa, a pushchair, a fighting human, bags of shopping etc - they aren’t all conveniently set up to lift. They put you in awkward positions, they need a wrestle and they don’t always come quietly. Overcome the stone, overcome awkwardness, strengthen the gaps and come out more robust.

Not a ‘natural’ stone, but the shaping and smoothness of this stone certainly keeps it awkward.

THEY ARE A PUZZLE

You might bar strong enough to pick up the stone, but you need to figure out HOW you are going to do it. Where can you get good grips, what position do you need to get it to, what face of the stone can you best clamp around? You try, you fail, you adapt - you overcome. The best lifts follow this process, as you get the gratification that you would typically feel from completing a crossword. Brains and Brawn!

THEY MAKE YOU FEEL LIKE A CAVEMAN/WOMAN

There’s something primal about picking up a bloody great lump of rock. You are dialled into the weight, you are focused purely on it and it requires everything you have got. If you like the idea of improving yourself through physical means - how can that not appeal to you? There’s no frills - just you and an obstacle. Mega!

WHERE TO START

So unlike The Commando Temple (where you can train with us) your gym likely doesn’t have stones. However, I’d encourage you to think about/attempt, picking up awkward stuff when you see the opportunity. “Can you help me move this?” - YES! Some gyms have sandbags and D-Balls - these are great alternatives.

Sandbags can be a useful, slightly more comfortable alternative

Obviously make sure you have the foundational strength that you won’t hurt yourself - but be bold and embrace the misshapen. Get outdoors and pick shit up!

Remember - it doesn’t have to be monstrously heavy, it just needs to be appropriate for you. But learn to combine the ‘play’ element with good training and have some fun with it. Its a challenge, so pick your poison and give it a go.

If you have questions on how to get started, or want to get training on the stones - drop us a message below.