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§ L · Exercises · AbsUpdated 6/2026

Kettlebell Suitcase Hold

This move builds your core and side to side stability. It helps with carrying, posture and heavy compound lifts.

Muscle group
Abs
Equipment
Kettlebell
Exercise type
Compound
Technique
Moderate technique
One side at a timeTime-based

Muscles worked

§ 01 · Muscles
Primary muscle
Abs
Supporting muscles
Forearm

How to perform

§ 02 · Steps
  1. 01

    Stand tall and place the kettlebell beside your foot.

  2. 02

    Grip the kettlebell with one hand and lift it to your side with a straight wrist, keeping your shoulder down and your shoulder blade pulled slightly back.

  3. 03

    Brace your core and keep your hips and torso level without side bending or rotation.

  4. 04

    Hold the position for the prescribed time while breathing under control, and keep your weight evenly distributed on both feet.

  5. 05

    Lower the kettlebell back to the floor under control and switch hands.

Beginner's guide

§ 03 · Guide
What it works

This move builds your core and side to side stability. It helps with carrying, posture and heavy compound lifts.

What it should feel like

You should feel it in your abs and obliques, not your lower back or shoulder. Keep your torso tall and steady.

Most common mistake

A common mistake is leaning toward the kettlebell or arching your lower back. Brace your core, keep your ribs down and reduce the load if needed.

How to get started at the gym

§ 04 · SisuLift

Kettlebell Suitcase Hold is ready to go in the SisuLift exercise library. The app builds you a program, suggests starting weights and shows this same animation during your workout at the gym.

  • ·A ready training program based on your goal
  • ·Starting weight suggestions and automatic progression
  • ·Set logging and rest timer at the gym
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
SisuLift app workout view

Tips

§ 05 · Tips

Keep your ribs down and your glutes engaged to prevent your lower back from arching excessively. If you start to lean, reduce the weight or shorten the hold time and brace your core again.

The kettlebell suitcase hold develops anti-lateral flexion strength and core stability using a loaded carry-style position.

More exercises: Abs

§ 06 · Same muscles

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