All Exercises

Farmers walk

Carry heavy dumbbells and walk to build full-body strength, grip endurance, and core stability.

Intermediate
Compound
Static
1 min per set2 min rest

Description

A full body exercise where you carry a heavy weight (like a kettlebell or dumbbell) in each hand and walk for a certain distance or time.

How to Do Farmers walk

  1. 1
    Setup

    Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing your body, ensuring your feet are hip-width apart.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Roll your shoulders back and down, lift your chest, and brace your core tightly to maintain a neutral spine and upright posture.

  3. 3

    Begin walking forward with small, deliberate steps, keeping your gaze straight ahead and your body as still as possible.

  4. 4

    Focus on controlled breathing and allow the weights to hang naturally by your sides without letting them swing or pull your shoulders forward.

  5. 5

    Continue walking for the prescribed distance or duration, then carefully set the dumbbells down by bending at your knees and hips while maintaining a straight back.

Tips

  • Maximize grip strength by squeezing the dumbbells as hard as possible throughout the entire walk; this will enhance forearm and hand endurance.
  • Actively brace your core as if preparing for a punch, which helps prevent torso rotation and maintains crucial spinal stability.
  • Maintain a controlled, steady pace rather than rushing, as this allows for better form and increases time under tension for both grip and core muscles.
  • Keep your shoulders packed down and back, actively resisting the urge to let them round forward or shrug up towards your ears due to the weight.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Rounding the upper back: Avoid letting your upper back hunch forward; instead, maintain a proud chest and neutral spine by bracing your core throughout the movement.
  • ×Shrugging shoulders: Do not allow your shoulders to creep up towards your ears; actively pull them down and back to keep tension in your lats and traps.
  • ×Swaying or leaning: Prevent your body from swaying side to side or leaning excessively; focus on a stable, upright posture and engage your obliques to resist lateral movement.

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