Farmer Carry (Kettlebell)
Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Secondary Muscles
A loaded carry exercise where you hold kettlebells at your sides and walk, strengthening forearms, core stability, and postural muscles.
Instructions
- Stand upright holding a kettlebell in each hand with a neutral grip, arms at your sides.
- Engage your core and maintain an upright posture with shoulders packed.
- Begin walking forward at a steady pace, maintaining tension through your grip and shoulders.
- Keep your chest up and avoid leaning or rotating your torso during the walk.
- Walk for the prescribed distance or time without putting the kettlebells down.
- Maintain consistent tension throughout the movement and avoid excessive shoulder elevation.
Tips
- Maximize grip strength by maintaining a firm, controlled hold throughout the carry.
- Keep your shoulders retracted and down to engage the upper back and prevent shrugging.
- Increase difficulty by using heavier kettlebells, extending distance, or adding inclines.
- This exercise builds core stability and improves real-world carrying strength.
- Perform carries at the end of your workout to accumulate volume without excessive fatigue.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Distance | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 300 m | 13 kg | 9 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 700 m | 12 kg | 8 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 1.3 km | 9 kg | 6 kg |