Suitcase Carry

One-sided loaded carry — exposes and fixes left–right differences in the trunk and grip better than any machine.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Kettlebell · Dumbbell
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Quadratus Lumborum · Obliques · Forearms & Grip
ALSO WORKS
Traps · Gluteus Medius
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Pick up one heavy weight in one hand, standing tall.
  2. 02Set the shoulders level and the ribs down — resist the lean.
  3. 03Walk 20–40 metres with controlled, even steps.
  4. 04Swap hands and match the distance exactly. Note which side is harder.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Stay square — the loaded side should not drop or hike.
  2. 02Grip hard; the carry ends when the hand fails, not the trunk.
  3. 03Match sides exactly. This is an asymmetry tool.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Leaning away from the weight to counterbalance.
  2. 02Doing more on the strong side.
  3. 03Going so heavy the posture breaks in the first five steps.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

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