Atlas Stone

The atlas stone is by far the most iconic and oldest of the strongman lifts and yet so many people get it totally wrong. Although simplistic in idea, this ancient lift is very technical and there's a lot that needs to be done very precisely for it to be done safely and effectively.
Mastering the Atlas Stone
Let's start by breaking down the technique:
Set up your stance by straddling directly over the top of the stone.
Reach straight down and pinch the stone between your forearms and elbows, with your hands as deep as possible to maximize surface area on the stone.
Lift the stone off the ground using technique more like an RDL than a conventional deadlift.
Load the stone into your lap by bringing your feet together and sitting back. Common mis-cue: lifters are often told to bring their knees together to load the stone onto the platform of their lap.  This puts unnecessary strain on the knees. Instead: a better cue is to bring the feet together; the knees will automatically follow.