Exercise Comparison
Atlas Stone Trainer vs Hug A Ball
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Atlas Stone Trainer
Only in Hug A Ball
Instructions
Atlas Stone Trainer
This trainer is effective for developing Atlas Stone strength for those who don't have access to stones, and are typically made from bar ends or heavy pipe.
Begin by loading the desired weight onto the bar. Straddle the weight, wrapping your arms around the implement, bending at the hips.
Begin by pulling the weight up past the knees, extending through the hips. As the weight clears the knees, it can be lapped by resting it on your thighs and sitting back, hugging it tightly to your chest.
Finish the movement by extending through your hips and knees to raise the weight as high as possible. The weight can be returned to the lap or to the ground for successive repetitions.
Hug A Ball
Seat yourself on the floor.
Straddle an exercise ball between both legs and lower your hips down toward the floor.
Hug your arms around the ball to support your body. Adjust your legs so that your feet are flat on the floor and your knees line up over your ankles. Keep a good grip on the ball so it doesn't roll away from you and send you back onto your buttocks.
Verdict
Both exercises target the lower back. Atlas Stone Trainer is a intermediate exercise using other, while Hug A Ball is beginner and uses exercise ball. Choose Hug A Ball if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Atlas Stone Trainer for a greater challenge. Atlas Stone Trainer is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Hug A Ball isolates the target muscle for focused development.