Dumbbell suitcase carry
The dumbbell suitcase carry is a great way to challenge your core muscles. Perfect for any workout, this exercise requires only one dumbbell and can be used as a finisher or an accessory movement to heavier lifts. It is basically a modified version of the dumbbell farmer's carry, but its single-dumbbell nature adds an extra layer of difficulty to the exercise.
The suitcase carry is an effective way to target the abdominal muscles, and can be used for fat-loss circuit training. To perform the exercise, stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the dumbbell in one hand. Keep your back straight and your core tight as you walk forward, maintaining the same posture. Feel the tension in your abs as you go. Once you have taken a few steps, switch hands and repeat the process.
This exercise is great for strengthening the core while also providing a full-body workout. Not only does it help to target the abdominal muscles, but it also works the arms, legs and shoulders. It is also a great way to improve balance and coordination.
If you are looking for an effective way to challenge your core muscles, the dumbbell suitcase carry is a great choice. Give it a try and see how it fits into your workout routine.
Type:
Strength
Muscles Used:
Forearms
Level:
Intermediate
Equipment:
Dumbbell
Benefits Of This Exercise
- The dumbbell suitcase carry is an effective way to target the abdominal muscles and provide a full-body workout.
- It is great for strengthening the core, improving balance and coordination, and building muscular coordination and mental toughness.
- The single-sided loading of the exercise provides a serious challenge to the core and obliques.
- The suitcase carry also challenges and strengthens the grip, traps, upper back, shoulders, and legs.
- This exercise can help you burn calories, making it a great choice for fat-loss circuit training.
Step by Step Instructions For Dumbbell suitcase carry
- Place a dumbbell on the floor in front of you, making sure you have enough open space to walk. If you can’t reach the floor safely without rounding and twisting your back, elevate the weight off the floor. (When doing this as a competition, start side by side with your partner and make sure there’s enough room for both of you.)
- Squat down keeping your back flatdon’t bend overand grasp the weight with a neutral grip. Keep your body square as much as possible. Stand back up by extending at the hips and knees; this will be your starting position.
- Keeping the weight at your side and maintaining a body position that doesn’t favor one side, walk forward as far as you can; if necessary turn around and return the other way. Try to beat your partner for both distance and time.
- Descend into a squat to lower the weight back to the floor.
Warm Up Tips
- Make sure you have enough open space to walk safely.
- If you can't reach the floor safely, elevate the weight off the floor.
- Squat down with a flat back and grasp the weight with a neutral grip.
- Stand up by extending at the hips and knees.
- Keep the weight at your side and walk forward as far as you can.
- If necessary, turn around and return the other way.
- Try to beat your partner for both distance and time.
- Descend into a squat to lower the weight back to the floor.
Dumbbell suitcase carry Safety Tips
- Make sure you have enough open space to walk safely without any obstacles or hazards.
- If you cannot reach the floor safely without rounding and twisting your back, elevate the weight off the floor.
- When starting the exercise, squat down while keeping your back flat and grasp the weight with a neutral grip.
- Keep your body square as much as possible and stand back up by extending at the hips and knees.
- Ensure that you maintain a body position that doesn’t favor one side and keeps the weight at your side throughout the exercise.
- Walk forward as far as you can while maintaining proper form and posture. If necessary, turn around and return the other way.
- Try to beat your partner for both distance and time, but prioritize maintaining proper form over speed.
- When lowering the weight back to the floor, descend into a squat to ensure controlled movement.
- Always engage your core by keeping it tight and maintaining a straight back throughout the exercise.
- Start with a manageable weight and gradually increase as you become more comfortable and proficient with the exercise.
Incorporating Into Other Workouts
One way to incorporate the dumbbell suitcase carry into workouts is by using it as a finisher or an accessory movement to heavier lifts. After completing your main strength exercises, you can perform a set of dumbbell suitcase carries to challenge your core muscles and provide a full-body workout.
To perform the exercise, start by placing a dumbbell on the floor in front of you. Make sure you have enough open space to walk. If you can't safely reach the floor without rounding and twisting your back, you can elevate the weight off the floor using a platform or step.
Squat down, keeping your back flat, and grasp the dumbbell with a neutral grip. Your body should be square as much as possible. Stand back up by extending at the hips and knees. This will be your starting position.
Keeping the weight at your side and maintaining a body position that doesn't favor one side, walk forward as far as you can. If necessary, turn around and return the other way. You can try to beat your partner for both distance and time to add some friendly competition to the workout.
Once you have completed the desired distance, descend into a squat to lower the weight back to the floor.
The dumbbell suitcase carry can be performed for multiple sets and repetitions, depending on your fitness level and goals. It is a challenging exercise that targets the abdominal muscles, while also working the arms, legs, and shoulders. It helps to improve core strength, balance, coordination, and mental toughness.
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