Clicky

HomeFitnessThe Dinnie Stones: The ULTIMATE Test of Strength?

The Dinnie Stones: The ULTIMATE Test of Strength?

The Dinnie Stones

When it comes to the thought of pure strength you'd likely think of a heavy deadlift or bench press, but what If I told you a 300kg deadlift paled in comparison to the Dinnie Stones?
There are many strongmen working their asses off in the gym right now with the goal in mind of conquering the Dinnie Stones.

These bad boys are the ultimate test of strength.

Want to prove your strength? You can't just step into the gym and lift the Dinnie Stones... hell you're likely going to need to fly to the other side of the world.

"SJ, what are these Dinnie Stones you speak of?!"

A pair of giant stones, one weighing in at 318.5lbs (144.47kg) and the larger one weighing in at 414.5lbs (188.02kg).
These stones are located in Potarch, Aberdeenshire and quickly became internationally famous after the man they are named after, Donald Dinnie carried them with his bare hands across the Potarch Bridge a distance of 17 feet and 1.5 inches all the way back in 1860.

To this day only a handful or two over 100 individuals have been able to shift the dinnie stones.

Now, I'm no expert in specifically training for this immense challenge but I do know without a doubt regardless of where you're currently at in your training you will need to focus on your pulling power to initially get these stones off the ground, followed by your grip strength if you intend on attempting to carry them the width of the bridge.

See also
How To Build Big Arms

Below you'll find proven exercises and methods to increase these two areas.

Firstly, To Lift The Dinnie Stones You Must Build Immense Pulling Power

These two exercises will be the foundation of building up that pulling power...

The Deadlift

Grasp a barbell with an overhand grip.

Maintain a slight bend in your knee and pull your shoulders back.

Drive through your heels, hamstrings and glutes to while maintaining a straight back.

Lock the barbell out.

Lower in a controlled manner back to the floor.

Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

The Pendlay Row

Pendlay Row Benefits

Stand with your mid-foot under the bar, medium stance.

Grip the barbell slightly wider than a regular bent over row.

Maintain a slight bend in your knees, however not too much as you'll be blocking the path of the barbell.

Lift your chest up and straighten your back to assume a position as horizontal to the floor as possible.

Pull the bar towards the ceiling, squeeze as the bar reaches your lower chest.

Lower the barbell back down to the ground in a controlled manner, allowing it to come to a stop on the floor before proceeding with your next repetition.

Secondly, To Carry The Dinnie Stones You Must Build Unbreakable Grip Strength

Perform the exercises below to begin to forge the unbreakable grip strength required...

See also
Push Press Exercise: Build Maximal Power

The Farmers Carry


The Farmers Carry is an old school strongman style exercise for building up your grip strength, forearms and mental toughness.

In order to perform the Farmers Carry correctly pick up your kettlebells (or dumbbells) with a solid grip, drive through your heels and maintain a straight back until you're upright.

Walk for a reasonable distance (50 feet) with small, quick steps - focus on your breathing as you walk.

These will burn your forearms hard, the Farmers Carry is largely a mental exercise - push through the pain and focus on each step.

Grip Trainer

You can use one of these bad boys while you sit on the couch if you wish, performing 4 or 5 sets of 8 - 10 reps two to three times a week will have you building up your forearms and grip swiftly.

Now, I'm not talking about a weak Walmart branded grip trainer, I'm talking about the gold standard of grip training devices, the Captains of Crunch... these guys have been around for in excess of 15 years and are hugely popular in powerlifting and bodybuilding circles around. I recommend starting off with one of their entry level grip crushers, regardless of how strong you think your grip strength might be (some of these are near impossible to squeeze).

See also
6 Things To Look For When Choosing A Personal Trainer

Check them out here.

Putting It All Together - The Dinnie Stones Inspired Workout

  • Deadlifts - 5 sets - 5 reps per set
  • Pendlay rows - 4 sets - 5 reps per set
  • Farmers carry - 5 walks - 'till failure
  • Grip trainer - 5 sets - 10 reps per set

What's Your Take On The Dinnie Stones? Let Me Know Below!

Scott J.
Scott J.https://ignorelimits.com
I’m SJ. I’m a fitness enthusiast and published author. I transformed my body from a skinny fat 135lbs with 18% body fat to a solid 192lbs at 8% body fat. I became qualified in a field I was passionate about. I founded several online businesses that allow me to pursue ideas and projects in my life that I am passionate about without having to constantly worry about money. I published several eBooks explaining the training and dieting techniques I used to achieve the body I have today. I learnt a plethora of new information on dieting and fitness by reading and applying what I read, to find out what does work and what doesn’t work, because as I’m sure you’ve noticed the health and fitness industry is full of non-sense claims and BS. I found out what was true and what worked for me and applied that knowledge. And you bet I had fun during the whole process.

Stay in Touch

To follow the best weight loss journeys, success stories and inspirational interviews with the industry's top coaches and specialists. Start changing your life today!

Related Articles