Zercher Carry
Test your strength & grit! The Zercher Carry builds serious core & upper back power. Prepare to be challenged!
The Zercher Carry is a compound exercise that mainly works the core and glutes & hips, with help from the back and traps. You'll need: barbell and weight plates.
Required Equipment


Zercher Carry Muscles Worked
Primary
Abdominals (rectus abdominis); Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Secondary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Zercher Carry Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Zercher Carry
Start by setting up a barbell at a height that you can easily pick up off a rack or blocks. Load the barbell with an appropriate weight.
Stand in front of the barbell and squat down to position your arms beneath the barbell, making sure your elbows are bent at around 90 degrees and tucked close to your body.
Wrap your arms around the bar and interlock your fingers or clasp your hands together in front of you to secure the barbell in the crook of your elbows.
Engage your core, back, and glutes, then lift the barbell from the rack or blocks, keeping it nestled in the crook of your elbows.
Stand up straight with the barbell secured in your arms and ensure your posture is upright with your shoulders back, chest out, and core tight to support the weight.
Begin to walk forward at a steady pace, keeping your strides even and controlled. Keep your eyes forward and your body alignment straight.
Walk for a predetermined distance or time while maintaining good form. The key is to keep your core engaged and your body stable throughout the walk.
After completing the distance or time, safely return the barbell to the starting position, either by placing it back onto the rack or gently lowering it to the ground if you're not using a rack.
Always ensure you perform the carry in a safe area with ample space, and if necessary, have a spotter to guide you or assist in case of fatigue.
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Zercher Carry FAQs
What muscles does the Zercher Carry work?
The Zercher Carry mainly works the core and glutes & hips, with help from the back and traps. The main muscles are the rectus abdominis and gluteus maximus.
What equipment do you need for the Zercher Carry?
Barbell and weight plates.
Is the Zercher 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 Zercher Carry go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Zercher Carry variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Barbell Zercher Hold Squat, Barbell Full Zercher Squat, Diagonal Pick & Carry and Dumbbell Farmer Walk.
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