The Sandbag Bear Hug Carry is one of the most fundamental and brutally effective loaded carries for building real-world strength, grip endurance, and total-body stability. It requires the lifter to hold a heavy sandbag tightly against the torso, forcing the core, back, and legs to work in unison while walking under load.

To perform, start with a heavy sandbag on the ground. Squat down, wrap your arms around the bag, and hug it tightly to your chest. Drive through your legs to stand tall, keeping your core braced and chest lifted. Begin walking with short, deliberate steps, maintaining control of both posture and the shifting weight. Keep the sandbag close and resist the urge to lean back or round the shoulders.

The Bear Hug Carry targets the core, glutes, hamstrings, quads, forearms, and upper back, while strengthening posture and stability under load. The lack of handles increases grip and forearm demand, making it a favourite among strongman and hybrid athletes.

Common mistakes include leaning back, letting the bag drop too low, or holding it too far from the body. Cue “hug tight,” “stay tall,” and “move with control.”

In Relentless Bravery Fitness, the Sandbag Bear Hug Carry is pure resilience no handles, no gimmicks, just raw power and composure under pressure.

Program 3–5 carries of 20–40 metres for strength and endurance, or include as part of conditioning circuits for functional hybrid performance.