Atlas
Farmer's Walk: starting position Farmer's Walk: end position

Carry · Forearms

Farmer's Walk

A carry exercise that works the forearms, traps & mid back. Beginner level, using dumbbells, kettlebell.

BeginnerDumbbellsKettlebellGym

Muscles worked

SecondaryAbs, Obliques, Glutes, Quads

Grip, traps and the entire core stabilizing.

Setup and loading

A heavy weight in each hand, at your sides.

How to do the farmer's walk step by step

  1. Pick up the weights as in a deadlift.
  2. Walk with short, controlled steps.
  3. Keep your chest up and your shoulders back.

Form cues

  • Motionless torso
  • Squeeze the handles hard

Common mistakes

  • Hunching over
  • Letting the weights bang against your legs
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Sets and reps for your goal

Endurance

4 x 40 m

2-4 sets of 15-30 reps or 30-60 seconds at 40-60% of your max. Rest 30 to 60 seconds.

Steady pace and clean technique to the end. Circuits help you build volume with little rest.

Core & Stability

3 x 30-40 m with your torso upright · rest 60 s

3-4 sets of 20-45 seconds or 8-12 slow reps. Rest 45 to 60 seconds.

Neutral spine, tight abs and controlled breathing. Progress in time or leverage before adding weight.

Max Strength

5 x 15-20 m very heavy

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Adjustable dumbbellsSave space and replace a whole dumbbell rack at home.
  • KettlebellStart with 12-16 kg (26-35 lb) for women or 16-24 kg (35-53 lb) for men.

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Variations and similar exercises

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