Core exercise
Dumbbell Suitcase Carry
Single-sided walk that requires keeping your torso upright against a load on one side.
- Primary muscleCore
- Also worksForearms
- EquipmentDumbbells
- MovementCarry
- LevelIntermediate
- Core
- Forearms
- Dumbbells
How to do the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry
4 steps, in the order you do them.
- Grab a dumbbell with one hand and stand tall with your shoulders level.
- Walk the indicated distance with short steps, without leaning toward the weight.
- Keep your core tight and don't let the dumbbell hit your leg.
- Set the weight down on the floor with control and repeat with the other hand.
Muscles worked
Common Dumbbell Suitcase Carry mistakes
What goes wrong most often when you do the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry, and how to fix it.
Your torso leans toward the side holding the dumbbell.
Walk with your shoulders level, as if you were carrying the same weight in the other hand.
The shoulder holding the weight drops down and forward.
Keep the loaded shoulder high and back, without shrugging.
The dumbbell swings and hits your leg.
Squeeze the grip hard and keep the dumbbell slightly away from your thigh as you walk.
Alternatives to the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry
They work the core with other equipment, including options for training at home.
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More core exercises
Rope CrunchCore · Cable machine
V UpCore · Bodyweight
Hanging Leg RaiseCore · Pull-up bar
Standing Ab Wheel RolloutCore · Ab wheel
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Dumbbell Suitcase Carry work?
The Dumbbell Suitcase Carry works mainly the core. It also works the forearms and the upper back.