The Beast Box: DIY Homemade Strongman Stone Simulator

For years I have wanted to create a homemade device that would simulate some of the heavy lifts that are popular in strongman competitions. Since I already have a selection of heavy barbells and dumbbells, it would seem like I would not need any other implements. And some strongman exercises, such as Farmer's Carries and Deadlifts and various kinds of Clean and Press movements, are fairly easy to duplicate with Dumbbells and Barbells. But other movements, such as the Husafell and other stone lifts, are impossible to simulate with even heavy barbells.

But I did not really want to purchase a $200-$700 metal stone simulator, such as the Titan loadable Atlas Stones, Husafell Simulator, or Husacross. They are expensive and single use. And if the steel gets dented or has a crease, it can easily create a nasty gash. Likewise, I did not want to mold my own stones, because they would be single use, non-adjustable, and take up lots of space (as well as time to make). Finally, while I like training with Sandbags, they are impossible to quickly change weights with. You have to pour them out, seal them up, and weigh them if you want to change weights.

So, basically, my design specifications included the following: I wanted something that was cheap; Something that I could make at home out of wood; Something that wouldn't rip my skin up; Something that offered a variety of hold and carry options; And something that was easily loadable for doing strongman conditioning work. So, after having the idea rattle around in my head for a couple of years, I developed the Beast Box. Here are the plans I created:

Here is what the Beast Box looks like close up:

The Beast Box has an open top to slide in plates:

And now let me show you its features:

• The Beast Box is made entirely from 2x3" and 2x4" lumber.
• Areas of use are heavily sanded down, and corners rounded so no pinching, poking, or ripping of flesh.
• Unloaded it weighs 60 lbs.
• Loadable to over 300 lbs with standard metal plates (Olympic or One Inch).
• Allows for several grip positions: Low Deadlift-to-Carry, Middle Hug Grip, High Zercher Carry (resting on forearms), and three ways to pick up using Grip.
• Because it is wooden, I would recommend using it with sub-maximal loads that can be carried for dozens of yards/meters before setting down. It is more for heavy conditioning work than it is for "maxing out". 

And finally, here is a video of all the ways to use the Beast Box (loaded to about 150 lbs):