The stones of strength are round stones that have been called such names as McGloshen, Atlas, Mavrocks or Mastiff stones. These stones in competition are lifted to various heights (generally 1.15meters to 1.8meters). The stones vary in weight and size, but they generally go from 100 kilos to 173 kilos.
                If you want to be good at the stones you must train the stones!  Sorry guys! No matter how strong you are in the gym lifts, weight training alone will not make you a good stone lifter! Strength helps but stone lifting is primarily technique and speed. In Oct. of 99 I got my set of stones to begin training for the 2000 season. I am not much stronger now than then, but then I could barely move the 220 let alone the 330 or the 365!  With much training and an improved form I can now place my 365 on a 36-inch barrel and my 308 on a 60-inch.

Strongman Man Alive Promoter Chris  Mavromatis poses with a MAVrock.

What is the key to such vast improvements? Practice, practice, practice! I personally hate not being able to do something and thus I have watched a lot of film and practiced what I saw there. Within this article I will try to pass on what I have learned.                  First before you start on the stone quest, invest in a good pair of steel-toed boots (hopefully you won't have to thank me). Not only will they protect you toes, but for those of us that do not come from the X-MAN genetic strain they will make you a little taller and thus get you closer to the top of what you are lifting the stones to.               Before lifting the stones some guys use chalk on their forearms and some use "tacky". I use "tacky" because it works much well. Once you are ready to go, straddle the first stone. Now affix your hands around the stones and squeeze as if you were doing a pec deck and then row the stone into your body. Some lifters use a stiff-legged approach, but I prefer to use more of a squat form.  You will have to find "your own" style. I have used both, but the squat form suits my body much better.

 Sunday 2-6-00

           I used a 50-inch platform for all stones. I did the following:
265x2, 300x2, 340x5 and then I did the 265,300,and the 340 in a row for speed, this was done 2x. I feebly tried the 400 3x but it would only break off the ground. I did a total of 18 lifts and my forearms were raw and my back was on fire!
           If you are interested in getting a set of stones yourself then contact BRYAN NEESE (the 1999 IFSA American champ). E-mail b_neese@yahoo.com or call him at 317.858.1994. ERICCA NEESE, Bryan's wife makes the stones for their company that is called MASTIFF EQUIPMENT. Bryan also makes logs, thick bars, farmer's walks and yokes. The "tacky" that I referred to can be obtained thru Mark Keshishian at  Samson-power. Mark not only sells the "tacky" but a variety of other goodies. If you need straps buy them from mark. His are the best that I have ever seen! 
           Earlier I said weights wouldn't make you a good stone lifter, but I did not say it would not help. I perform a lot of zercher squats, good mornings, stiff leg deads, rack bottom squats, hammer curls, ab work, and if I am not too pummeled from my core movements I sometimes do the pec deck, it simulates the squeezing of the stone.
           Like I said before I did the FINNISH OPEN on 2-12-00.the training paid off! I was able to complete all of the stones. Only 4 stone were used: 308 to 56inch, 330 to 52 inch, 352 to 51inch,and 380.6 to a 46-inch platform. The first three went up without a hitch, but the 380 gave me some problems. I lost my grip and dropped it and had to "re-tacky" my hands and forearms. I then pulled it back to my lap and then exploded it to the 46-inch platform. The whole process took 46 seconds-an average time. The winning time was around 18 seconds. My only concern was to finish the stones, now I must work on getting faster. I must practice, practice, practice!
           Well I did not give away all the secrets, but I gave enough. This won't turn you into a Lazlo Fekete or a Jouko Ahola overnight but it will improve your placement at your next contest.

Stay strong and GOD BLESS,
 CHAD COY
 

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