The term “clach cuid fir” is Gaelic for “Manhood Stones” and is often used to refer to a variety of strength testing stones throughout the world.

For centuries, the lifting of the clach cuid fir was a common way for people to come together and test their strength against one another. Within the history of the clach cuid fir, there is legend and mystique surrounding the origins and antiquity of these stones. Many interesting stories concerning the stones have become traditional.

• In Scotland, the clach cuid fir signified a right of passage for young males. A young male would be welcomed into manhood when he was able to lift his clan's testing stone to waist height.
  
  
• The clach cuid firs were also used as a means of demonstrating strength. These ancient testing stones had to be lifted from ground level and placed on top of a “dyke” (wall) about three feet high. They normally weighed 100 lbs to well over 200 lbs.
  
  
• Highland chiefs used the clach cuid fir as well.  These stones, referred to as ‘clachnearts’ or ‘stones of strength’, were placed at the gateways of the chiefs homes. Visitors were invited to test their strength.  To appease the chief, these visitors had to the stone of the ground onto another stone which was about three to four feet high. 
  
  
• In other stories of the clach cuid fir, smaller training testing stones were placed near the kirk (church) and young men would practice lifting them after attending the Sunday service.
  
  
• Today, stone lifting has developed into major events with strength athletes and has become one of the most popular events in strongman competitions throughout the world.  In these events, competitors have to lift spherical stones (generally referred to Atlas Stones or McGlashen Stones) from the ground onto platforms or barrels.  The stones generally range in size from 245lbs - 365lbs and the platform can are from 48 inches to over 60 inches in height.  Other stone lifting events which have been incorporated into competitions have stones of various shapes and sizes which are lifted, carried, and loaded onto various objects.

Stones have been around since the beginning of time. The same clach cuid firs that were hoisted by men over 1000 years ago can be sought out and lifted today. There are still many people throughout the world that are drawn to the stones (the allure of the clach cuid fir).

 There is something uniquely different that you feel right away when you lift a stone. It may be the energy, or the connection within nature, but it is a much different feeling than one would get from lifting barbells and dumbbells. Stones naturally defy man's best efforts to be lifted. They are not only heavy, but slick, odd shaped and big. 

Stoners Gym is dedicated to developing awareness, understanding and appreciation regarding the unique and powerful tradition, history and legend of the clach cuid fir and stone training throughout the world.

“Stoners” throughout the world will be encouraged to share their personal stories of clach cuid firs and testing stones, along with their philosophies on stone training techniques in order to pass this incredible tradition on to future generations so they too may to “Feel the High” of the stones.  

In his book, “Of Stones and Strength”, Steve Jeck explains why there is such an allure to the stones,
“There is a strength and permanence to stone. And because stones last, the stories of the men who lift them last as well."

“When one embraces an ancient testing stone, he also embraces the history of that stone.  He must exert the same herculean effort and his body will suffer the same toll as those hearty lads who dared to hoist the same load.  He will also know, if victorious, the same exhalation and pride felt by his worthy predecessors.”

Steve’s words truly capture the essence, respect and fascination with the stones.

Clach cuid fir and ancient testing stones can be found throughout the world, but it is Scotland has more of these famous testing stones than any other country.

Some of the more famous testing stones:

Scotland

The Inver Stone, the McGlashen Stones, the Blue Stones of Old Dailly, The Dinnie Stones, and the Testing Stone of Fianna

Iceland
The Husafell Stone