Lower back exercises

Atlas Stone Lift

Also known as: Pierre d'Atlas · Άρση πέτρας Atlas · Atlas Stones · stone load

Primary
Lower back
Equipment
Other equipment
Level
Advanced
Type
Compound
Force
Pull
Suggested rest
2.5 min

How to do the Atlas Stone Lift

  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.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth3–48–122.5 min
Muscular endurance2–315–201 min

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2.5 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Lower back

Secondary

Abs, Adductors, Biceps, Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Upper back, Quads, Traps

The spinal erectors keep your back straight under load. Hinges, back extensions and good mornings make them strong; start light and own the position.

Train smarter

More lower back

See all 18 →