Quick Answer

Farmer's Walk is a intermediate strongman exercise that targets your forearms. It uses a other. Place two heavy dumbbells/farmer's walk handles/implements on floor.

Video Tutorial

How to Perform the Farmer's Walk

  1. 1

    Place two heavy dumbbells/farmer's walk handles/implements on floor.

  2. 2

    Stand between them.

  3. 3

    Deadlift implements up, keeping back straight, chest up.

  4. 4

    Stand tall, shoulders back, core braced.

  5. 5

    Walk forward taking short, quick steps.

  6. 6

    Maintain upright posture, tight grip.

  7. 7

    Walk for specified distance or time.

  8. 8

    Lower implements with control.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • !Rushing reps instead of controlling the lowering (eccentric) phase — aim for 2–3 seconds down.
  • !Letting form break down as reps add up. Stop the set when technique slips, not when you physically can't do another rep.
  • !Using momentum instead of muscle tension. Slow the tempo and feel the target muscle doing the work.

Tips for Better Form

  • Breathe out during the effort (concentric) and breathe in on the return (eccentric).
  • Use a mirror or film yourself on your first session — your perceived form and actual form often differ.
  • Brace your core as if someone were about to punch you in the stomach. This stabilizes your spine in every rep.
  • Start each set with 1–2 warm-up reps at a lighter load to groove the movement.

Alternative Exercises

If the Farmer's Walk isn't right for your body, equipment, or goal, try these similar exercises that hit the same muscle groups:

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does the Farmer's Walk work?

The Farmer's Walk primarily works your forearms. Secondary muscles include the abdominals, glutes, hamstrings, lower back, quadriceps and traps.

What equipment do I need for the Farmer's Walk?

The Farmer's Walk needs a other. You can perform it at home or at the gym as long as you have what's listed.

Is the Farmer's Walk suitable for beginners?

The Farmer's Walk is an intermediate exercise. Beginners can try it with a lighter load or an easier variation before progressing to the full movement.

How many sets and reps of Farmer's Walk should I do?

For strength: 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps with longer rest (2–3 min). For hypertrophy (muscle growth): 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with moderate rest (60–90 sec). For endurance: 2–3 sets of 15+ reps with short rest (30–45 sec). Adjust based on your program and goal.

Can I do the Farmer's Walk every day?

No. Muscles need 48 hours to recover between heavy training sessions. If you want to train forearms more frequently, alternate harder and easier variations and keep overall weekly volume moderate.

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