JOIN THE PRIMAL MOVEMENT
ADD NEW MEANING AND DIRECTION TO YOUR TRAINING
WHAT WE DO
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![A man participating in a strongman competition, lifting a large rock while others watch in an indoor gym with graffiti art on the wall.]()
THE STONE CLUB
WEEKLY GROUP TRAINING
Bringing people together to learn and experience the ancient practice of stonelifting through group training led by expert coaches. Whether you’re completely new to lifting stones or an experienced strength athlete, each session is designed to build strength, skill, confidence, and community in a supportive environment. -
![A coach working with a client to help him lift stones]()
COACHING
ONE TO ONE GUIDANCE
Personalised coaching for individuals looking to improve their strength, technique, and confidence with stone lifting. Working with a Commando Temple coach, each session is tailored to your goals, whether you’re new to the practice, preparing for competition, or looking to develop real-world strength through this unique and historic discipline. -
![Women in animal print clothing participating in a strength competition, lifting heavy stones outdoors on a red mat, with a crowd watching in front of historic buildings and a tall monument, under cloudy skies.]()
APPEARANCES
SPREADING THE WORD
London Stonelifting has brought the tradition of stone lifting to audiences across the UK through public appearances, live events, media features, and collaborations. From performances in Trafalgar Square to features in Men's Health, television adverts, and podcasts, we’re passionate about sharing the history, culture, and challenge of stonelifting with a wider audience. -
![A group of six men, one holding a dog, posing outdoors on a grassy area with rocks and a rocky hillside in the background. One man is holding a large rock over his shoulder, and another is wearing a 'Black Panther Wakanda Forever' t-shirt. They are standing close together, some smiling and some making expressive faces.]()
TOURS
FIND - DISCOVER - CONQUER
Our stonelifting tours take groups across the United Kingdom and Ireland to visit and experience historic lifting stones in the places they’ve stood for generations. Guided by experienced coaches and historians of the practice, these trips offer a unique opportunity to explore the culture, stories, and traditions behind some of the country’s most iconic stones while testing yourself against history. -
![A group of people posing inside a gym with gym equipment, a large Union Jack flag with the words 'COMMANDO TEMPLE', and graffiti on a metal door that says 'TRAINING'.]()
EVENTS
BROADENING THE COMMUNITY
Our events bring the world of stonelifting to life through workshops, film screenings, guest speakers, and hands-on experiences designed to connect people with the history and culture of strength. From educational talks to practical lifting sessions, each event offers a chance to learn, participate, and become part of a growing stonelifting community.
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![A person wearing a beanie and a sleeveless shirt is holding a large boulder in front of a wall with a logo that says 'StoneLifting' and a partial word 'WINNING' in the background.]()
THE GAUNTLET
LONDON’S STONE CHALLENGE
Our series of stonelifting challenges based at the Commando Temple, created for strength enthusiasts looking to test themselves. Designed as a proving ground for modern stone lifters, The Gauntlet gives people something to train toward and make the pilgrimage to London to attempt, continuing the tradition of travelling to legendary stones in search of challenge, achievement, and respect.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Not at all. Our sessions and events are open to all experience levels, from complete beginners to experienced strength athletes. You will be working with a trainer that has a minimum of 15 years coaching experience, along with practical application in that knowledge specifically to stone lifting.
We have a huge range of stones so that anyone get get involved. This is a practice for anyone that is willing to try!
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The beautiful thing about stones is that they do not care about your age, your ability, your gender, your weight, your background. We value effort and ANYONE can apply effort.
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The Award Winning Commando Temple is one of Englands most iconic strength gyms, known for its raw training environment, strong community, and focus on functional, real-world strength. Based in Deptford, the gym has become a hub for strongman, calisthenics, and unconventional training, attracting everyone from complete beginners to elite athletes, performers, and coaches. Its unique atmosphere makes it the perfect home for London Stonelifting and the revival of traditional stone lifting in the capital.
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Regular gym kit is fine - We wouldn’t recommend you wear your most expensive outfit. Stone has a funny habit of not been to kind to any fabric that isn’t particularly durable.
Many wear neoprene belts, knee sleeves and items of clothing that doesn’t leave much flesh exposed. Others go barefoot and short sleeved!
We have plenty of chalk to share! So just bring yourself and any additional equipment will become apparent as you gain more experience. -
All of our equipment comes in a variety of shapes and weight. Which means there is something for everyone. Find out where your current ability is, then you have a clear path to progression by working toward the next object in the sequence.
Our stonelifting kit includes:Our growing collection of Natural Stones ranges from 23kg to 203kg.
Atlas Stones from 35kg to 200kg.
Sandbags from 20kg to 180kg.
Replica Dinnie Handles
Coffin Stones from 75kg to 165kg
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The key lifts we utilise are:
Getting Wind Under the Stone
The first stage of many stone lifts, where the lifter creates space beneath the stone to establish a grip and begin lifting it from the ground.
Lapping the Stone
Lapping involves lifting the stone from the floor into a seated position on the thighs or lap. This is usually the transition point before attempting to lift the stone higher.
Chesting the Stone
Chesting the stone means pulling the stone from the lap up onto the chest while securing it tightly with the arms and upper body. This requires strong upper-back strength and positioning.
Shouldering the Stone
A shouldering lift involves moving the stone from the chest onto one shoulder until it is fully supported and controlled. Traditionally, this is one of the classic tests of stone lifting strength.
Pressing the Stone Overhead
One of the rarest and most demanding stone lifts, pressing overhead requires lifting the stone above the head with locked-out arms. This combines strength, balance, and control.
Ring Pick Ups
Ring stones feature an attached metal ring, allowing the lifter to pull or deadlift the stone from the ground using grip strength and full-body power.
Carries
Stone carries involve lifting and transporting a stone over distance or for time. Carries test grip, conditioning, posture, and the ability to stabilise awkward loads while moving.