Exercise library

Shoulders · Kettlebell

Overhead Carry

Difficulty

Intermediate

Sets

3–4

Reps

30–60 sec

Equipment

Kettlebell

Target muscles

Primary Shoulders

Secondary: Core, Traps

Variations

  • · Tempo Overhead Carry
  • · Paused Overhead Carry
  • · Single-arm/side Overhead Carry

Proper form

  1. 01 Set a full 360° brace before picking up the load.
  2. 02 Keep the shoulders packed and ribs stacked over the pelvis.
  3. 03 Take small, deliberate steps at a steady cadence.
  4. 04 Set the load down with the same posture used to pick it up.

Common mistakes

  • × Letting the shoulders shrug and the torso lean.
  • × Rushing steps and losing bracing.
  • × Grip failing before the intended stimulus.

Tips

  • Program carries for distance or time, not reps.
  • Rotate loads to build grip in multiple positions.
  • Use carries as finishers or between compound sets.

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