Strongman Implement Glossary
What the log, yoke, atlas stone, farmer's walk, and sandbag are, plus each implement's world record.
Strongman is built around a handful of signature implements. The log and axle are pressed overhead, the yoke is carried across the shoulders, the atlas stone is loaded onto a platform, the farmer's walk is carried in each hand, and the sandbag is a shifting load for carries and loading races. Below, each implement is defined with its documented world record where we have the data.
What is a Log?
A log is a thick, cylindrical implement (originally a real tree trunk, now usually a steel barrel-style log) pressed overhead. Its large, fixed diameter and neutral-grip handles make it a strongman staple for the log press, where the goal is the heaviest single overhead lift or the most reps at a set weight.
| World record | 231 kg |
|---|---|
| Held by |
Cheick Sanou
|
| Year | 2024 |
What is a Yoke?
A yoke is a heavy steel frame loaded across the shoulders and carried for distance or speed. Because the load sits high and shifts as you move, the yoke walk tests whole-body stability, bracing, and leg drive as much as raw strength. It is one of the most recognizable moving events in strongman.
| World record | 512 kg |
|---|---|
| Held by |
Kostiantyn Ilin
|
| Year | 2015 |
What is a Atlas Stone?
An atlas stone is a heavy spherical concrete or stone ball lifted from the ground and loaded onto a platform or over a bar. Stones range from manageable to enormous, and the atlas stone event rewards hip power, a strong lap position, and the technique to roll and extend the stone without handles.
| World record | 250 kg |
|---|---|
| Held by |
Reza Gheitasi
|
| Year | 2023 |
What is a Farmer's Walk?
A farmer's walk is carrying a heavy implement in each hand and walking for distance or time. Despite its simplicity, it is a brutal test of grip, trunk stability, and conditioning. Strongman versions use dedicated farmer's handles and can be run for a fixed distance against the clock or as a max-weight pick and carry.
| World record | 167 kg |
|---|---|
| Held by |
Stoyan Todorchev
|
| Year | 2011 |
What is a Sandbag?
A sandbag is a soft, shifting load used for carries, loading races, and over-bar throws. Its unstable contents force a constant adjustment of grip and bracing, which is why sandbags are a favorite for building real-world strength and conditioning. Sandbag events appear in loading medleys and carry races rather than as a single max lift.
Understanding Strongman Implements
Strongman events are defined by their implements. Unlike powerlifting, which uses a standardized barbell, strongman tests athletes against odd objects of varied shape, balance, and grip: logs, yokes, stones, frames, and bags. Each implement demands a different skill, which is why the sport rewards all-round strength rather than a single lift.
Use this glossary as a starting point, then dive deeper into the full records database to see every documented best, or visit the training guides to learn the technique behind each event.