The ancient exercise that transformed one man’s fitness and reconnected him with his heritage

The ancient exercise that transformed one man’s fitness and reconnected him with his heritage

May 26, 2026 discoverhiddenusacom Health

At 47, David Keohan has found a way to merge physical training with the preservation of Irish heritage. What began as a personal journey to improve his health—transitioning from an unhealthy lifestyle in his twenties to becoming a world champion in kettlebell sport—has evolved into a mission to uncover and restore the forgotten culture of Irish stone lifting.

A Revival Rooted in History

During the 2020 Covid lockdowns, Keohan sought an alternative to traditional gym workouts. Using his wife’s 60kg carved stone as a starting point, he began a practice that eventually led him to research the historical significance of stone lifting in Ireland. He learned that such practices were once common, serving as rites of passage or tests for employment as fishermen or stonemasons, before being largely erased by history.

Keohan’s search for these relics led him to the island of Inishmore in 2023. Guided by local folktales and literature, he discovered a 171.2kg granite stone. After months of dedicated training to increase his own strength, he successfully lifted the stone, effectively reconnecting with a lost tradition. Since then, he has identified over 50 such stones across the country.

Did You Know? Historically, lifting stones served practical purposes, such as “jostle stones” placed outside pubs to protect walls from horse-drawn carts, or as a meritocratic system in fishing communities to determine a sailor’s share of the catch based on their physical strength.

The Philosophy of Objective Strength

For Keohan, stone lifting offers a form of fitness that stands apart from modern, subjective exercise trends. He describes it as the “opposite of toxic masculinity,” noting that the stones provide an objective measure of capability—you either lift them or you do not. This inclusive approach welcomes anyone willing to respect the history and the physical integrity of the stones.

The ancient Irish art of Stone Lifting | Tommy Tiernan meets David Keohan
Expert Insight: The resurgence of this practice suggests a growing desire for fitness modalities that provide a sense of place and historical continuity. By moving away from standardized gym equipment to engage with natural, unwieldy objects, practitioners are trading controlled environments for a more authentic, albeit challenging, connection to their environment and ancestors.

Looking Ahead

As interest in this practice grows, more historical stones will be identified and documented across Ireland. With a dedicated following on social media and the recent publication of his book, The Wind Beneath the Stone, Keohan’s work could lead to increased tourism centered around these heritage sites. Future preservation efforts may be required to ensure that these historical artifacts remain protected as more people seek to engage with this ancient form of strength training.

Looking Ahead
David Keohan lifting 171kg stone Inishmore

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary goal of stone lifting?
The primary goal is the continuation of the stone’s story and culture, with the physical strength aspect being secondary to the participant.

Are there specific rules for participating in stone lifting?
Yes, participants are expected to follow two overarching rules: respect the stones and respect the culture. Lifters must be able to put the stone down safely without dropping it.

Why was the culture of stone lifting in Ireland forgotten?
The practice was largely wiped away centuries ago, primarily due to British colonization and the famine, which left little trace of the tradition.

Have you ever encountered a piece of local history that changed your perspective on your own physical health?

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