Saftey
Matters

Stone Circle Strongman is committed to helping others pursue generational health.  In order to ensure that all participants at any SCS event can safely participate, we have included this informational page as well as a number of videos on Instagram to delineate safe lifting situations and practices for both recreational trial lifting as well as for more serious lifting, as in competitions.  In order to stay Rock Hard 365, please read on the following topics and be honest with yourself and your abilities before you attend any SCS event.  All these aspects are included in the Stone Circle Strongman waiver which all participants are required to sign before any participation.

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General Health:

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In order to participate in any SCS lifting attempt of the McClurg Manhood Stones, a person must be in good general health--having no underlying health condition of any sort which would make lifting a manhood stone dangerous to their health.  It includes all aspects of the body--cardiovascular, muscular, psychological, etc.  It also implies that you are physically fit enough to attempt to lift a stone after proper form and technique have been demonstrated.  

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Nutrition and Hydration:

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For safe lifting, all participants must understand the importance of adequate hydration and proper performance nutrition before and after any lifting attempt; All participants need to ensure that they have drank enough fluids and that they have recently had ample calories to facilitate a safe lifting effort. Similarly, participants must adequately hydrate and re-fuel after any lifting attempt. These factors, and the lack thereof, can have dramatic effects on one's athletic abilities and must not be overlooked.

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Breathing and Bracing:

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In order to properly lift a manhood stone, proper breathing and core bracing techniques must be implemented.  Improper breathing and bracing can seriously impair a lift and be dangerous in the attempt.  During a lift attempt, focus on holding breath while tightening your core musculature, then breathing at the top of any lift, and bracing properly for the lowering of the stone; finally, taking good deep and unhurried recovery breaths at the bottom of the lift will ensure a gradual and safe cooldown of the body from the effort exerted.

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Temperature Regulation:

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Human performance is drastically affected by body temperature.  Since all SCS events occur during the warm months of the year, it is crucial that all participants in any lifting attempt be aware of the day's maximum temperature and the current state of their own body temperature.  Having access to bottled water to douse oneself for cooling, any number of ice pack equipment (shirts, towels, socks etc), lightweight breathable clothing which covers the skin, hats to keep the head cool, taking a break and seeking shade--these are all strategies to maintain healthy body temperature during lifting.  Perceived exertion levels (one's self diagnosed level of effort) should also be monitored by any person attempting to lift heavy stones, and all participants are advised to slow down and stop if any exertion proves too difficult and adversely raises body temperature to an uncomfortable level

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Lifting Form:

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