Done A Steinborn Lift
April 08, 2011 Filed in: CrossFit
The Steinborn Lift was originated by Henry “Milo” Steinborn, an old time strongman in the 1920’s. He was one of the first men ever to squat with 500 pounds, which is even more impressive from the standpoint that he loaded and unloaded the barbell onto his shoulders unassisted.
The US All-Around Weightlifting Association describes the Steinborn Lift in its rule book:
The lifter must first stand the bar on end, bend under the bar so the bar is placed on the upper back, and then allow the top end of the bar to rotate downwards until the bar is off the platform and onto the lifter’s back. It is also allowable to bring the bar to one shoulder after the bar is stood on end, and pivot the bar across the shoulders until it reaches the proper position across the upper back.
One of the advantages of a lift like this is that you can do squats without a rack. I was curious what it would feel like, so I decided to try it. I started with a light 65 pound bar. I raised it on its end.
I rolled it onto my shoulders. At this weight, it is relatively easy. However, it still felt really awkward.
After I did a few squats, I set it down the way I had brought it up.
I also did it at 95 pounds.
Then I did it with 135 pounds.
A few things to note about this. I also made a 185 pound attempt. I believe if I warm up enough, I can actually do it. After looking at my video, I think I can benefit from squatting lower when I put the bar on my back. It totally makes sense that flexibility can be a great asset in lifts like this one and lifts like the Zercher Lift as well. This is a cool lift, one that I may try again in the future. I was thinking it might be useful on a long barbell carry where you wouldn’t be able to use a rack.
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