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Kettlebell Squat to Halo

Intermediate
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A full-body compound exercise combining a goblet squat with a kettlebell halo that targets quads, glutes, shoulders, and core to build strength, enhance shoulder mobility, and improve stability; commonly used in warm-ups or functional training.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Traps, Lats, Hamstrings

Accessory Muscles

Forearms

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Mobility
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

8/10

Anterior Delts, Medial Delts, Rear Delts

Quads

7/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

7/10

Glute Max

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Traps

4/10

Upper Traps

Lats

3/10

Hamstrings

3/10

Forearms

2/10

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. Hold a kettlebell by the horns at chest height in goblet position with core braced and shoulders relaxed.

  1. Push hips back and bend knees to lower into a squat until thighs are parallel to the floor, keeping chest up and elbows inside knees.
  2. Drive through heels to stand up explosively while maintaining neutral spine.
  3. At the top, circle the kettlebell around your head clockwise, keeping it close with elbows leading.
  4. Complete the full rotation and return to goblet hold at chest.
  5. Repeat squat, then reverse halo direction counterclockwise for next rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Brace core tight
  • Keep kettlebell close to head
  • Drive knees over toes
  • Maintain neutral spine
  • Elbows lead the halo

Breathing

Inhale during squat descent, exhale through the ascent and halo rotation while bracing your core.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Squat from full hip extension at top to thighs parallel or below; halo completes a full 360-degree circle around the head without contact.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Start with light weight to master form
  • Avoid if acute shoulder or back pain exists
  • Reduce halo range if mobility limited
  • Keep movement controlled to prevent dizziness

Spotting

Spotting not required; perform in open space with safeties if needed for balance.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back during halo
  • Allowing knees to cave inward
  • Rushing the circular motion
  • Letting shoulders shrug up

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain
  • Recent neck injury

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion and rotation
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for squat depth

Build Up First

  • Master basic goblet squat
  • Familiarity with kettlebell hold

Also known as

KB Squat Halo, Goblet Squat Halo, Kettlebell Halo Squat

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