Appears in642 Workouts*

Side-Step Pick & Carry

Build strength & coordination! Side-Step Pick & Carry challenges your core & stability while you move. Lift, step, repeat!

The Side-Step Pick & Carry is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and core, with help from the glutes & hips. You'll need: dumbbells or kettlebells.

Mr. Grey
JustGains_XY
@JustGains_XY

Required Equipment

Dumbbells
Dumbbells
Kettlebells
Kettlebells

Side-Step Pick & Carry Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Deep Core (transverse abdominis)

Secondary

Glutes (gluteus maximus); Obliques

How to do the Side-Step Pick & Carry

  1. Stand beside the weight (dumbbell, kettlebell, etc.) with your feet shoulder-width apart.

  2. Lower your body into a squat position by pushing your hips back and bending your knees, keeping your back straight and core engaged.

  3. Pick up the weight with one hand, keeping your back straight and engaging your core muscles to avoid straining your lower back. If necessary, use both hands to ensure a good grip and safety when lifting the weight.

  4. As you lift the weight, begin to straighten your legs, preparing to carry the weight.

  5. Once you have a secure grip and have lifted the weight, start taking lateral (sideways) steps. Make sure to step wide enough to maintain balance but not so wide as to strain your groin.

  6. Carry the weight for a predetermined distance or number of lateral steps, keeping your torso upright and core tight to help maintain balance.

  7. After completing the distance or number of steps, carefully squat down to lower the weight back to the ground, keeping your back straight and setting the weight down gently.

  8. Stand back up and, if necessary, switch the weight to the other hand and repeat the movement going back to the starting point or continue with the same hand depending on your workout plan.

Note: The focus of this exercise is to maintain proper form, core stability, and control while carrying the weight. Adjust the weight and distance to match your fitness level.

---

Side-Step Pick & Carry FAQs

What muscles does the Side-Step Pick & Carry work?

The Side-Step Pick & Carry mainly works the quads and core, with help from the glutes & hips. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and transverse abdominis.

What equipment do you need for the Side-Step Pick & Carry?

Dumbbells or kettlebells.

Is the Side-Step Pick & Carry a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Side-Step Pick & Carry go on?

It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Side-Step Pick & Carry variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Diagonal Pick & Carry, Dumbbell Suitcase Carry, Dumbbell Farmer Walk and Kettlebell Walking Farmer Carry.

Training calculators

Work out the numbers behind your training before your next session.