Kettlebell Suitcase Carry

Also known as: One Arm Farmers Carry (Kettlebell), Suitcase Carry (Kettlebell)

Hold a single kettlebell at one side and walk while keeping your trunk upright and resisting side-bending; the movement primarily challenges the obliques and other core stabilizers.

How to do the Kettlebell Suitcase Carry#

  1. Stand tall with feet hip-width and grip the kettlebell handle at your side, arm straight but not locked.
  2. Brace your core and pull the loaded-side shoulder down so your ribs remain stacked over your hips.
  3. Walk forward with short, controlled steps while keeping your torso level and breathing evenly.
  4. Keep the kettlebell close to your thigh and minimize arm swing so the core absorbs the load.
  5. Carry for the prescribed distance or time, then switch sides and repeat the same procedure.

Muscles worked#

  • Primary: Obliques (External & Internal Obliques), Forearms (Forearm Flexors & Extensors (incl. Brachioradialis))
  • Secondary: Abs (Rectus Abdominis), Lower back (Erector Spinae), Traps (Trapezius), Glutes (Gluteus Maximus)

Common mistakes#

Track the Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Suitcase Carry work?

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

What equipment do I need for the Kettlebell Suitcase Carry?

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

Is the Kettlebell Suitcase Carry suitable for beginners?

Yes. The Kettlebell 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 Kettlebell Suitcase Carry?

Kettlebell Turkish Get Up, Kettlebell Windmill, Kettlebell Around the World all train the same primary muscles as the Kettlebell Suitcase Carry. Pick whichever one matches the equipment in front of you.