Strongman Glossary

Round concrete or natural stones loaded onto platforms of increasing height. Athletes must lift progressively heavier stones in sequence, typically ranging from 100 to 200+ kg (220 to 440+ lbs).

An overhead press using a thick, non-rotating axle bar (typically 2 inches / 50mm diameter). The thicker grip makes the clean and press significantly harder than a standard barbell.

Athletes pull a weighted sled or vehicle toward them using a rope, alternating arms hand-over-hand while seated or anchored.

A wide leather or nylon belt worn around the midsection to increase intra-abdominal pressure and support the spine during heavy lifts.

A partial range of motion overhead press starting from blocks or pins at chest or shoulder height, testing lockout strength.

Slang for dropping or failing an event completely, typically receiving zero points. Also called "zeroing" an event.

A deadlift performed using a specialized frame attached to a vehicle. The angled handles and different loading pattern make it mechanically distinct from a standard barbell deadlift.

Athletes carry a vehicle frame loaded with weight on their backs and walk for distance or time. Similar to a yoke walk but using a car-shaped apparatus.

Magnesium carbonate powder applied to hands and forearms to improve grip. Essential for events like atlas stones, farmer's walk, and deadlifts.

A one-arm overhead press using a large, thick-handled dumbbell. The clean and press requires significant grip, shoulder stability, and full-body coordination.

A two-part lift where the implement is first cleaned (lifted to shoulder height) and then pressed overhead. Used across log press, axle press, and other overhead events.

Athletes bear-hug one end of a pivoting bar loaded with weight and walk in a circle around the pivot point. Tests core and hip strength under crushing front-loaded weight.

A technique for cleaning heavy, awkward implements to the shoulders. The implement rests on the belt/stomach as a midpoint before being hitched up to the rack position. Common with axles and logs.

Athletes hold weights at arm's length in a T-position (arms extended to the sides). Tests shoulder endurance and mental toughness, with the last athlete standing winning.

Lifting a loaded barbell from the floor to hip height with locked knees and hips. The most fundamental test of pulling strength in strongman, with variations including standard, sumo, and elevated.

Athletes hold a heavy barbell at lockout position for maximum time. Tests pure grip strength and mental willpower.

A training technique where the weight is reduced after reaching failure, allowing additional reps to be completed. Used in strongman training for building endurance under fatigue.

Athletes straddle a heavy, bell-shaped implement and walk with it between their legs for distance or time. Tests hip and leg endurance in an extremely uncomfortable position.

An overhead press using one or two dumbbells. In strongman, typically performed with oversized, thick-handled implements for max weight or reps.

An extra-long, whippy deadlift bar (over 8 feet) that bends significantly before the weight leaves the floor. Used at the Arnold Strongman Classic for dramatic deadlift events.

A single discipline within a strongman competition. Contests typically feature 5-7 events, each awarding placement points toward the overall standings.

Athletes carry a heavy implement in each hand (farmer's handles) and walk for distance or complete a set course for time. Tests grip endurance, core stability, and conditioning.

Lifting straps shaped like a figure-8 that loop around both the wrist and the bar. Provide maximum grip security for heavy deadlifts and are allowed in most strongman competitions.

Athletes pick up and carry a heavy rectangular metal frame for distance or time. The frame is held at the sides, similar to a trap bar but much heavier.

Athletes hold a weight at arm's length in front of their body with straight arms. A static endurance event testing anterior deltoid and grip strength.

A squat with the barbell racked across the front deltoids. Appears in strongman as a max weight or rep event, demanding upper back and core strength.

An oversized dumbbell with a thick handle and large globe-shaped ends. Used in circus dumbbell events, typically weighing 90-130 kg (200-286 lbs).

Any event primarily testing hand and forearm grip strength, including Hercules hold, deadlift hold, and hub lifts.

A preliminary round in a competition where athletes are divided into groups. Top finishers from each heat advance to the final.

Athletes stand between two pillars and grip handles attached to heavy, hinged columns, holding them upright for maximum time. The last athlete standing wins.

A flat, triangular natural stone (or replica) carried bear-hug style for distance. Named after a famous stone in Iceland. Tests core and hip flexor endurance under extreme front loading.

A deadlift using oversized Hummer tires as the loaded implements on each end of the bar, creating a dramatic visual and a unique pull height.

The specialized equipment used in strongman events - atlas stones, logs, yokes, farmer's handles, and other non-standard lifting tools. What makes strongman distinct from powerlifting.

An overhead technique using leg drive to propel the implement upward, then splitting or pushing under it. Some strongman federations allow the jerk on overhead events; others require a strict press.

Athletes throw kegs (usually empty beer kegs) backward over a high bar for height or time. Tests explosive hip extension and posterior chain power.

A loading race where athletes pick up and place weighted kegs onto a platform or into a designated area as fast as possible.

Neoprene sleeves worn over the knees to provide warmth, compression, and mild support. Allowed in most strongman competitions for squatting and deadlift events.

Elastic wraps wound tightly around the knees to store energy during the descent of a squat. Provide more support than sleeves but are restricted in some federations.

An event format where athletes take turns attempting progressively heavier weights. Those who fail are eliminated until one athlete remains. Used in deadlift and press events.

Fabric or leather straps wrapped around the wrist and bar to augment grip. Standard straps loop once; figure-8 straps provide maximum security for extreme loads.

Athletes pick up various implements (stones, kegs, sandbags) and load them onto a platform or carry them to a designated area for time. Tests speed, technique, and conditioning.

The fully extended position at the top of a lift, where the joints are straight and the weight is supported at arms' length. A rep is only counted once lockout is achieved and held.

An overhead press using a hollowed-out log with handles welded inside. The neutral grip and larger diameter make it a unique pressing challenge. The world record exceeds 230 kg (507 lbs).

An event format where athletes complete as many repetitions as possible with a fixed weight within a time limit. Common for overhead press, deadlift, and squat events.

An event format where athletes work up to a single maximal lift, similar to powerlifting. The heaviest successful lift wins.

A timed event requiring athletes to complete a series of different implements or tasks in sequence. For example, carrying a yoke, then farmer's handles, then loading a stone.

Events requiring athletes to move with the implement - farmer's walk, yoke walk, frame carry, sled pull. Contrasted with static events like deadlift and press.

An uncut, irregular stone used in traditional stone-lifting events. Unlike manufactured atlas stones, natural stones have unpredictable shapes, requiring adaptive technique.

A family of events where athletes press implements overhead. Includes log press, axle press, Viking press, circus dumbbell, and barbell strict press variations.

Athletes deadlift and carry progressively heavier implements up a series of steps or platforms, typically three levels. Tests a combination of deadlift strength and conditioning.

Athletes pull a large aircraft (typically a cargo plane or commercial jet) using a harness and rope, competing for fastest time over a set distance.

Performing maximum repetitions with a given weight. In strongman, rep-out events typically have a strict time limit (usually 60-90 seconds).

A grip strength event using a spinning handle attachment. Athletes pull the maximum weight off the ground using a single-hand revolving grip.

Athletes pick up and load heavy sandbags (often 100-150 kg / 220-330 lbs) onto a platform or over a bar. The shifting sand makes grip and technique critical.

Athletes carry a large, heavy shield-shaped implement for distance or time. The awkward shape and front loading make it a unique test of core strength.

A deadlift performed from an elevated platform (typically 18-20 inches), reducing the range of motion. Named after the Silver Dollar deadlift platform at the Arnold Strongman Classic.

Athletes pull a weighted sled using a harness over a set distance for time. Variations include forward-facing and backward pulls with rope.

Events performed in a fixed position - deadlift, overhead press, squat. Contrasted with moving events like farmer's walk and yoke carry.

Athletes lift atlas stones from the ground and throw or place them over a horizontal bar set at increasing heights. Tests explosive power and stone-lifting technique.

A heavier version of the standard yoke walk, often exceeding 450 kg (1,000 lbs). The "super" designation indicates extreme loads that push the boundaries of human carrying ability.

A sticky resin applied to forearms and hands for atlas stone events. Provides crucial grip on the smooth stone surface. Allowed in most competitions for stone events only.

Athletes flip a massive tire (typically 400-500 kg / 880-1,100 lbs) end over end for reps or distance. Requires a combination of deadlift strength, hip drive, and pressing power.

The maximum time allotted to complete an event. If an athlete does not finish within the time cap, their score is based on reps completed or distance covered.

Athletes pull a loaded truck using a harness and rope over a set distance. One of the most iconic strongman events, testing full-body pulling power and leg drive.

Athletes pull a train car or locomotive for distance or time. An extreme variant of vehicle pull events seen at major competitions.

Any overhead press performed with one arm at a time, such as the circus dumbbell or one-arm log press. Tests asymmetric strength and stability.

A category of events where athletes pull a vehicle (truck, bus, plane, train) for time or distance using a harness. The surface, gradient, and vehicle weight determine difficulty.

An overhead press using a lever-arm machine that simulates a log press. The fixed path and angled handles make it accessible while still testing pressing strength.

A technique for overhead pressing that uses a quick dip and leg drive to initiate the press, similar to a push press. Named for the explosive movement pattern.

Athletes throw a heavy implement (typically a keg or weight) backward over a bar of increasing height. The last successful height determines placement.

Elastic wraps used on wrists (wrist wraps) or knees (knee wraps) for joint support and compression during heavy lifts. Rules on wrap length and style vary by federation.

Athletes walk under a heavy yoke frame for distance or time. The yoke sits across the upper back and traps. Loads can exceed 500 kg (1,100 lbs), making it one of the heaviest moving events.

Scoring zero points on an event by failing to complete a single rep or any measurable distance. Also called "bombing" or "getting a bomb." A zero in one event can eliminate an athlete from contention.

Carrying a heavy implement (barbell, sandbag, or stone) in the crook of the elbows. Rarely seen in modern competition but occasionally featured in medleys.