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Kettlebell Swing to Squat

Intermediate
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Dynamic full-body exercise combining explosive kettlebell swing with squat, targeting glutes, hamstrings, and quads for power, strength, and cardiovascular endurance; scaled by weight or reps.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Hamstrings, Quads

Secondary Muscles

Abs, Traps, Shoulders, Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Calves

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Power
Conditioning
Strength
Endurance

Training Style

Functional Training
CrossFit

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Moderate

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Hamstrings

8/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Quads

8/10

Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Lower Back

6/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

5/10

Rectus Abdominis

Traps

4/10

Upper Traps

Shoulders

3/10

Anterior Delts

Forearms

3/10

Flexors

Calves

2/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds • Shorter for conditioning, longer for power

How to Perform

Place kettlebell on ground between feet shoulder-width apart. Hinge at hips with flat back and engaged core to grip handle with both hands.

  1. Hike kettlebell back between legs with hip hinge.
  2. Explode hips forward to swing kettlebell to chest height.
  3. Catch kettlebell in goblet position at chest as you descend into squat.
  4. Lower until thighs parallel to floor with chest up.
  5. Drive through heels to stand, extending hips and knees.
  6. Let kettlebell swing down between legs to repeat.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hinge from hips, not squat
  • Drive power from glutes
  • Catch bell softly at chest
  • Keep core tight
  • Eyes forward, chest up

Breathing

Inhale during hinge and squat descent; exhale forcefully during hip drive and squat ascent while bracing core.

Tempo

1-0-1

Range of Motion

Swing kettlebell to eye level with arms straight; squat to thighs parallel or below with knees tracking toes and spine neutral.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Maintain neutral spine to avoid lower back strain
  • Start with light weight to master transition
  • Ensure clear space around you
  • Stop if sharp pain in back or knees
  • Knees track over toes to protect joints

Spotting

Spotting not typically needed; partner can assist with bell control if beginner, but use lighter weight or practice components separately.

Common Mistakes

  • Rounding back during hinge
  • Using arms to swing
  • Knees caving inward
  • Overextending at top
  • Losing control of bell

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back pain
  • Recent hip or knee injury
  • Poor hip mobility

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion for squat depth
  • Shoulder flexion for goblet hold

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in basic kettlebell swing
  • Mastery of goblet squat
  • Hip hinge competency

Also known as

KB Swing Squat, Swing to Goblet Squat, Kettlebell Swing Squat

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