Exercises › Suitcase carry

Suitcase carry

Hold a single dumbbell at one side like a suitcase and walk tall without leaning. Keep your shoulders level and core braced against the pull, then switch sides. A kettlebell works too.

StrengthDumbbellsDifficulty 2 of 3

Two-panel demonstration of the suitcase carry, showing the start and finish positions — Start and finish positions

How to do it

Hold a single dumbbell at one side like a suitcase and walk tall without leaning. Keep your shoulders level and core braced against the pull, then switch sides. A kettlebell works too.

Muscles worked

Front

Back

coreprimary
forearms
glutes

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

Other options in this pattern

Farmer's carrydumbbells · difficulty 1/3
Half Turkish get-upkettlebells · difficulty 2/3
Turkish get-upkettlebells · difficulty 3/3
Waiter's carrykettlebells · difficulty 3/3

How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

Get my sets and reps

Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2