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Kettlebell Goblet Squat to Lunge

Intermediate
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Kettlebell goblet squat to lunge combines bilateral squat and unilateral lunge to target quads, glutes, and core for lower body strength, balance, and coordination.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Lower Back, Traps

Accessory Muscles

Calves

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Conditioning
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
CrossFit

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Traps

3/10

Upper Traps

Calves

2/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Adjust based on intensity

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell vertically at chest height with both hands, elbows tucked in, core braced, and chest tall.

  1. Inhale and squat down by pushing hips back, keeping knees tracking over toes, until thighs are parallel to floor.
  2. Exhale and drive through heels to stand up fully.
  3. Inhale and step back with one foot into a reverse lunge, lowering until back knee nearly touches floor and front knee is over ankle.
  4. Exhale and push through front heel to return to standing.
  5. Repeat lunge on opposite leg.
  6. Alternate between squat and lunges for reps.
  7. Maintain upright torso and core tension throughout.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest tall
  • Knees track toes
  • Core braced
  • Drive through heels
  • Upright torso
  • Controlled transitions

Breathing

Inhale during descent of squat and lunge, exhale during ascent while bracing core to stabilize spine.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Squat until thighs parallel to floor or deeper if mobile; lunge until back knee hovers above floor with both knees at 90 degrees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee or back pain
  • Use lighter weight if balance issues
  • Ensure stable footing
  • Stop if form breaks
  • Consult professional for modifications

Spotting

Spotter not typically needed; use mirror or self-check for form, or hold rack for balance support.

Common Mistakes

  • Knees caving inward
  • Leaning forward
  • Slamming back knee
  • Loose core
  • Uneven steps
  • Rushing transitions

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Lower back pain
  • Balance impairments

Flexibility Needed

  • Ankle dorsiflexion for squat depth
  • Hip mobility for lunge stance

Build Up First

  • Master basic goblet squat
  • Familiar with reverse lunge form
  • Core stability competency

Also known as

Goblet Squat to Reverse Lunge, Kettlebell Squat Lunge Combo, KB Goblet Alternating Lunge

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