Oldtime Strongman Feats: The Harness Lift

Thomas Topham harness-lifts 1836 lbs. of water barrels in the year 1741

"In making a harness-lift, the athlete stands on a platform above the weight. The lower platform, which bears the weight, is usually suspended by four chains, which join to one chain which passes through a hole in the upper platform. This chain, in turn, is attached to the lifter's harness. In many cases, this harness consists of nothing more or less than a loop of broad leather strap, which passes from the lifter's shoulders and runs down to a point just in front of the hips.

The athlete stands with his legs bent slightly at the knees, his body inclined forward from the hips, hand resting on a pair of railings or other firm supports.

In making the lift the athlete simultaneously straightens his legs and arms, and brings the trunk of his body to a vertical position. When only the shoulder strap is used the contents of the body are compressed, especially if the lifter arches his back instead of keeping his spine straight.

Real experts in harness-lifting use a belt around the hips as well as one around the shoulders, as this distributes the weight and enables them to lift far more than with only a shoulder belt." - From Super Strength by Alan Calvert

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