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Kettlebell Goblet Squat

Beginner
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A kettlebell squat variation held at the chest that primarily targets the quads and glutes, used for building lower body strength and improving core stability.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Abs, Hamstrings, Adductors

Popularity Score

9

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hamstrings

4/10

Semitendinosus, Biceps Femoris

Adductors

3/10

Adductor Magnus

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Rest shorter for stability and conditioning sets.

How to Perform

Stand slightly wider than shoulder-width with toes pointed slightly out. Hold a single kettlebell by the horns vertically against your chest, keeping elbows tucked close to your ribs.

  1. Brace your core and initiate the movement by pushing your hips back slightly.
  2. Lower your body slowly by bending the knees, maintaining a tall chest and upright torso.
  3. Push your knees out to track over your toes as you descend.
  4. Squat down until your elbows lightly touch the inside of your thighs or depth is achieved.
  5. Drive through your midfoot to stand back up, fully locking out the hips and knees.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest tall
  • Elbows inside knees
  • Screw feet down
  • Push the knees out
  • Brace the stomach

Breathing

Inhale deeply as you descend; brace the core strongly, then exhale forcefully as you drive back up to the start position.

Tempo

3-0-1

Range of Motion

Lower until the thighs are parallel to the floor, or slightly below if mobility allows, while maintaining an upright torso.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
  • If experiencing knee pain, reduce depth or adjust stance.
  • Avoid using weights that compromise form or depth.

Spotting

Not required; the kettlebell can be safely dropped forward if necessary.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding the back excessively
  • Letting the knees cave inward
  • Rocking onto the toes
  • Rushing the eccentric phase

When to Avoid

  • Severe knee joint pain
  • Acute low back pain or injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Good ankle dorsiflexion
  • Adequate hip flexion

Build Up First

  • Ability to perform a deep bodyweight squat

Also known as

Goblet Squat

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