Dumbbell Suitcase Carry

Also known as: Suitcase Carry (Dumbbell)

Hold a single dumbbell at your side and walk while keeping your torso stable to resist lateral bending. The movement primarily challenges the core through anti‑lateral‑flexion effort.

How to do the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry#

  1. Stand tall with feet about hip‑width apart and the dumbbell next to one foot.
  2. Hinge at your hips and knees to pick up the dumbbell with a neutral grip, then stand up straight.
  3. Brace your core, keep your shoulders level, and hold the weight firmly at your side with your arm extended.
  4. Walk forward in controlled steps while maintaining an upright torso and resisting any lean toward the weight.
  5. Stop after the prescribed distance or time, set the dumbbell down, and repeat on the other side.

Muscles worked#

  • Primary: Obliques (External & Internal Obliques), Abs (Rectus Abdominis), Forearms (Forearm Flexors & Extensors (incl. Brachioradialis))
  • Secondary: Traps (Trapezius), Upper back (Rhomboids & Middle Trapezius), Glutes (Gluteus Maximus), Quads (Quadriceps Femoris)

Common mistakes#

Track the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry in Gript: your previous sets in view while you train, records detected automatically, and an estimated 1RM chart from every hard set.

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Frequently asked questions#

What muscles does the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry work?

The Dumbbell Suitcase Carry primarily works the obliques, abs, forearms. The traps, upper back, glutes, quads assist as secondary muscles — they stabilise the movement and take over when the main target fatigues. If you feel it mostly in the traps, upper back, glutes, quads, lighten the load and slow the lowering phase.

What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry?

The Dumbbell Suitcase Carry needs the following: Dumbbell. Nothing beyond that is required to run the movement as described above.

Is the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Dumbbell Suitcase Carry is rated beginner: the technique is quick to pick up and forgiving when a rep goes slightly off. Start light and add weight once the form repeats itself without you thinking about it.

What are good alternatives to the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry?

Dumbbell Side Bend, Air Bike, Bicycle Crunch all train the same primary muscles as the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry. Pick whichever one matches the equipment in front of you.