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Kettlebell Goblet Carry

Beginner
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A loaded carry exercise using a kettlebell held at the chest, targeting core, grip, and upper back to build strength, improve posture, and enhance functionality; performed by walking a set distance or time.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Abs, Obliques, Forearms

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Shoulders, Glutes, Quads, Hamstrings

Accessory Muscles

Calves, Biceps

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Conditioning
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Abs

9/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

8/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Forearms

8/10

Flexors

Lower Back

7/10

Erector Spinae

Traps

6/10

Upper Traps

Lats

5/10

Shoulders

4/10

Anterior Delts

Glutes

4/10

Glute Max

Quads

3/10

Hamstrings

3/10

Calves

2/10

Biceps

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

20-60 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Select a kettlebell and grasp it by the horns with both hands, holding it close to your chest at sternum height with elbows tucked. Stand tall with feet hip-width apart, core braced, and neutral spine.

  1. Grip the kettlebell firmly by the horns at chest height.
  2. Engage core, pull ribs down, and squeeze glutes.
  3. Walk forward in small, controlled heel-toe steps.
  4. Maintain upright posture and resist any torso lean or twist.
  5. Keep slight knee bend and steady pace throughout.
  6. Lower kettlebell controlled to the ground at end.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Brace core tight
  • Shoulders back and down
  • Walk deliberately
  • Resist weight pull
  • Maintain tension

Breathing

Breathe naturally and continuously through the nose; brace core on each exhale without holding breath.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Hold kettlebell stable at chest throughout walk; maintain neutral spine from head to pelvis with no excessive forward lean or arching.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight to master form
  • Ensure clear walking space
  • Use stable non-slip surface
  • Avoid if acute back pain present
  • Progress gradually no more than 10% weekly
  • Stop if form breaks or pain occurs

Spotting

Spotting not required; perform in open space with safeties if needed for heavy loads.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning forward
  • Rounding or arching back
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Rushing steps
  • Gripping too tight
  • Poor breathing

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Shoulder instability
  • Poor grip strength

Flexibility Needed

  • Neutral spine mobility
  • Shoulder flexion for hold

Build Up First

  • Core bracing competency
  • Basic walking stability

Also known as

Goblet Carry, Kettlebell Chest Carry

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