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Kettlebell Squat to Curl

Intermediate
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Kettlebell goblet squat combined with bicep curl that targets quads, glutes, and biceps for full-body strength and hypertrophy; curl performed at squat bottom to enhance core stability and mobility.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Biceps, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Lower Back, Forearms

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Vastus Medialis, Vastus Lateralis

Biceps

9/10

Long Head, Brachialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly out. Clean kettlebell to chest in goblet hold with elbows tucked and core braced.

  1. Push hips back and bend knees to lower into deep squat with chest up.
  2. At squat bottom, extend arms to lower kettlebell fully.
  3. Curl kettlebell back to chest by flexing elbows, keeping them close to body.
  4. Drive through heels to stand up, squeezing glutes at top.
  5. Repeat for reps, maintaining neutral spine.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest proud
  • Knees track toes
  • Core tight
  • Elbows tucked
  • Heels down

Breathing

Inhale during squat descent and curl extension; exhale on ascent and curl contraction while bracing core.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Lower until thighs parallel or deeper if mobile; fully extend arms down and curl to chest without momentum.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute lower back pain
  • Ensure neutral spine throughout
  • Select weight allowing form control
  • Do not force depth beyond mobility

Spotting

Not typically needed; use lighter weight or safeties if available for heavier loads.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding back
  • Knees caving in
  • Using momentum on curl
  • Incomplete squat depth

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder injury
  • Lower back strain
  • Knee instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Hip flexion for deep squat
  • Ankle dorsiflexion
  • Shoulder flexion for hold

Build Up First

  • Master basic goblet squat
  • Proper hinge mechanics
  • Grip strength for kettlebell

Also known as

Goblet Squat Curl, Kettlebell Goblet Squat Curl, KB Squat Curl

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