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Kettlebell Single-Arm Front Rack Step-Up

Intermediate
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Unilateral step-up onto a box holding one kettlebell in the front rack position targets quads and glutes for lower body strength while challenging core stability and balance with offset load.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell, Plyometric Box

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Obliques, Calves

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
CrossFit

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, Glute Medius

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Calves

3/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand facing a sturdy box one foot away, clean kettlebell to single-arm front rack position with elbow tucked and wrist straight, feet shoulder-width apart.

  1. Place entire foot of stepping leg on box center.
  2. Drive through heel and mid-foot to stand tall on box using glutes and quads.
  3. Bring trailing foot up to meet stepping foot at full hip extension.
  4. Lower trailing foot controlled to floor.
  5. Step down with stepping leg to start.
  6. Switch sides after reps.
  7. Keep core engaged and torso upright.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Drive through heel
  • Core tight against load
  • Torso upright no lean
  • Full foot on box
  • Knee tracks over toes
  • Shoulders down back

Breathing

Inhale during descent, brace core and exhale through ascent.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Step until hips and knees fully extend on top of box, descend until stepping foot returns to floor without knee hyperextension.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use box height below knee level initially
  • Secure kettlebell in rack to avoid drops
  • Stop if balance lost or knee pain occurs
  • Ensure box stable and non-slip
  • Avoid if recent lower body injury
  • Warm up hips and ankles first

Spotting

Spotter can assist by hand on lower back for balance or light hand under elbow if heavy; not typically needed for moderate loads.

Common Mistakes

  • Leaning toward kettlebell
  • Pushing off trailing foot
  • Partial foot on box
  • Rushing descent
  • Wrist bends in rack
  • Rotating torso

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee or hip pain
  • Poor balance or vertigo
  • Recent lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion for step
  • Hip flexion to 90 degrees
  • Shoulder mobility for rack hold

Build Up First

  • Master bodyweight step-up
  • Proficient kettlebell clean to rack
  • Basic hip hinge and squat form

Also known as

Single-Arm KB Rack Step-Up, One-Arm Kettlebell Front Rack Step-Up, Unilateral Front Rack Box Step-Up

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