'Harder than deadlifting:' founders of Edmonton stone lifting club explain how to pick up really heavy rocks
The Scottish tradition of stone lifting is at the intersection of history, legend and strength
Dave and Dale Nisbet believe in the power of lifting very heavy stones.
The brothers are the founders of Stones of Strength, an Edmonton club – and community – that celebrates the Scottish tradition of stone lifting.
"In Scotland, they have what they call the clach cuid fir, which are manhood stones, and it was a test to determine whether or not a boy was physically capable enough to be considered a man. It was a rite of passage," said Dale in the documentary Harder Better Faster Stronger.
"Things are very different now, but back then, your strength was directly tied to who you were as a person and how much you could provide for your family," says Dave.
Today, the brothers appreciate the sense of community they've found in stone listings.
"It's something we can do outside and it's for everybody, right? The barrier to entry to get into stone lifting is finding a stone," said Dale.
In Harder Better Faster Stronger, Dave and Dale teach host Timothy Caulfield the proper technique for lifting a hefty stone.
The documentary explores the state of masculinity and men's health. From investigating toxic male "wellness" culture to meeting men who challenge traditional masculine norms, Harder Better Faster Stronger examines what it means to be a man today.
Watch it now on CBC Gem and the CBC Docs YouTube channel.
