Lifting stones are heavy natural stones which people are challenged to lift, proving their strength. They are common throughout Northern Europe, particularly Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, Basque Country, Faroe Islands, Wales, North West England centered around Cumbria, Switzerland, Southern Germany centered around Bavaria, Austria and also in the United States and parts of Asia such as Japan.
Lifting a stone at Harri-jasotzaileak event in the Basque Country
Dritvik stones in Djúpalónsandur in Iceland, weighing from top to bottom 23, 54, 100, and 154 kg
The 'Blue or Charter Stones' of Old Dailly.
Lifting stones at Nunakuma Shrine in Fukuyama.
A strongman is someone who exhibits strength through strength athletics. Strength athletics, also known as strongman competitions, are composed of a variety of events in which competitors have to move the highest weights possible, the winner being the one having the highest tally across all events. In the 19th century, the term strongman referred to an exhibitor of strength or similar circus performers who performed feats of strength.
Angus MacAskill was a notable strongman of the 19th century.
Brian Shaw performing the deadlift at the 2017 Arnold Strongman Classic