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Kettlebell Deck Squat

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Dynamic full-body squat variation with a controlled roll that targets glutes, quads, hamstrings, and core to build functional strength, explosive power, mobility, and stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Advanced

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Quads, Abs

Secondary Muscles

Calves

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Power
Stability
Mobility

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max

Quads

8/10

Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Abs

8/10

Rectus Abdominis

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris

Obliques

6/10

External Obliques

Calves

4/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

90-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out. Hold kettlebell at chest height with both hands, back straight and core engaged.

  1. Squat down deeply until glutes touch floor, keeping heels flat and chest up.
  2. Roll back controlled onto upper back, knees bent and kettlebell at chest.
  3. Optionally extend kettlebell overhead with slight hip bridge.
  4. Shift weight to heels and roll forward, planting feet near glutes.
  5. Drive through heels to return to deep squat position.
  6. Stand up fully, squeezing glutes and keeping core tight.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Keep heels down
  • Core tight throughout
  • Smooth roll, no rush
  • Chest up in squat
  • Drive through heels
  • Squeeze glutes at top

Breathing

Inhale during squat and roll back; exhale during return to stand.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower until glutes touch floor; stand with hips and knees fully extended.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Warm up hips and ankles first
  • Start bodyweight to master form
  • Use mat for roll to protect spine
  • Stop if pain in knees or back

Spotting

No spotter needed; perform in open space with mat for safety.

Common Mistakes

  • Rushing the roll
  • Heels lifting off ground
  • Knees caving inward
  • Arching lower back excessively
  • Losing kettlebell control

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Poor hip mobility

Flexibility Needed

  • Full ankle dorsiflexion
  • Deep hip flexion
  • Thoracic spine extension

Build Up First

  • Master basic goblet squat
  • Proficient hip hinge
  • Core stability control

Also known as

Rolling Squat, Kettlebell Rolling Squat

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