Introduction
Firstly, let me introduce myself—my name is Graham Hicks, and I’m a former Britain’s Strongest Man. I’ve been involved in the sport of strongman since 2010, competing at the highest level for over a decade. Over these years, I’ve witnessed first-hand the transformation of our sport, not just in terms of athletes becoming stronger, but also in the evolution of training tools and equipment, particularly tacky.
The Evolution of Tacky in Strongman
Back in 2010, strongman kit was quite limited. There wasn’t a lot of choice when it came to tacky. In fact, most of us used leg wax from local salons because that’s what was available. It was messy, inconsistent, and if it was hot or freezing out, you had to get creative—microwaves, duct tape, and prayers were part of the process. Let’s be honest, it was rough. Stone training wasn’t as enjoyable or as productive as it could be, but we didn’t complain, we just cracked on.
Fast forward to 2025, and we’re now lucky to have specialist products like Cerberus Strength’s Atlas Tacky, which comes in multiple grades optimized for different temperature ranges. This isn’t just a luxury, it’s a game-changer. You can now train with more confidence, reduce your risk of injury, and actually enjoy your stone sessions no matter the weather.
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Climate
Cerberus has taken the guesswork out of tacky selection. Whether you’re training indoors, in the blazing summer sun, or in sub-zero English winters, there’s a grade for you:
- Grade 1 (Cold Weather): Perfect for freezing temperatures. Even when it's below zero in England, I can still train effectively with this tacky—it’s soft enough to become pliable with minimal effort.
- Grade 2 (Cool Weather): Ideal for standard UK spring/summer conditions.
- Grade 3 (Warm Weather): Designed for hot climates or intense sessions under direct sun.
- Grade 4 (Hot Weather): Has a heavy stiff feel to it, designed to be able to handle heat and deliver whilst in hot temperatures and is perfect for competitions for extra strong stick for the heaviest stones.
This temperature-specific engineering ensures consistent performance and reduces the risk of tears, strains, or accidents caused by slippage or over-gripping cold tacky.
How to Prepare and Apply Tacky Effectively
One of the most common mistakes I see—especially with beginners—is assuming tacky is ready to use straight from the tub. It’s not.
Think of it like blue tack from school days: cold and stiff when untouched, but once you start squeezing it and warming it up with your hands, it becomes soft, sticky, and pliable. The friction and heat from your hands activate the stickiness, making it easier to apply and far more effective in training.
Step-by-Step Tacky Prep & Application Tips:
- Warm the Tacky: Take a small amount out of the tub and work it between your palms. Roll, squeeze, and rub it until it softens. Don’t skip this—it's key to using less and getting better performance.
- Apply Evenly: Don’t just dab it on your forearms or sleeves. Rub it in evenly to create a thin, uniform layer. You’re not trying to cake it on, you're aiming for a surface that grips the stone reliably.
- Focus on Key Areas: Apply primarily to your hands, inner forearms, and sleeve areas—wherever the stone contacts your body. This improves grip and control without overusing product.
- Less is Often More: When applied properly, a little goes a long way. Clumpy or uneven tacky reduces efficiency and can even make handling the stone harder.
- Post-Training Clean-Up: Use Cerberus Tacky Remover or oil-based products to clean your skin afterward. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this step unless you enjoy peeling your arm hairs out.
Additional Stone Training Advice
- Warm Up Thoroughly: Especially in colder weather. Cold joints and muscles don’t pair well with the explosive nature of stone lifting.
- Practice with Sleeves and Without: If you're competing with sleeves, train with them. But it's also smart to occasionally go bare-skin to strengthen grip and positioning.
- Train Positioning, Not Just Strength: Your form and technique in the lap, load, and extension phases matter as much as raw power.
Final Thoughts
Cerberus Strength Atlas Tacky has been a massive upgrade to my stone training over the years. With its multiple grades and consistent performance, it’s become essential for any serious strongman athlete.
I hope these tips help maximize your training and keep your sessions productive and safe.
And don’t forget—if you want to give Cerberus Tacky a try or restock your kit, use code HIX10 at checkout to get 10% off your order. You’ll be supporting both myself and an incredible brand that’s been a cornerstone of strongman progress.
Train smart, lift heavy,
Graham Hicks
