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Kettlebell Walking Lunge

Intermediate
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Kettlebell walking lunge is a unilateral lower-body compound exercise that targets quads, glutes, and hamstrings to build strength, stability, and balance; enhances functional movement for daily activities and athletic performance.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes, Hamstrings

Secondary Muscles

Obliques, Calves, Lower Back, Traps

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Conditioning
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Large

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Hamstrings

8/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis

Obliques

5/10

External Obliques

Calves

4/10

Gastrocnemius

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Traps

3/10

Upper Traps

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-20 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand tall with feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell in each hand at your sides, core braced, shoulders back.

  1. Step forward with right leg, landing heel to toe.
  2. Lower body by bending both knees until back knee hovers above floor.
  3. Keep front knee over ankle and torso upright.
  4. Drive through front heel to stand and bring back leg forward.
  5. Immediately step forward with left leg into next lunge.
  6. Alternate legs continuously, maintaining control and balance.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Core tight
  • Knee over ankle
  • Drive through heel
  • Torso upright
  • Step controlled

Breathing

Inhale as you lower into the lunge; exhale as you drive up through the front heel.

Tempo

2-0-2

Range of Motion

Lower until front thigh is parallel to floor and back knee nearly touches ground; front knee tracks over toes without excessive forward lean.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute knee pain exists
  • Use lighter weights initially for balance
  • Ensure stable surface for walking
  • Stop if form breaks
  • Warm up hips and ankles first

Spotting

Spotter can assist by holding shoulders if needed; prefer self-supported with light loads or use mirror for form check.

Common Mistakes

  • Knee caving inward
  • Leaning too far forward
  • Short steps reducing depth
  • Slamming back knee down
  • Poor balance from rushing

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Severe balance issues
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexion
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for depth
  • Shoulder mobility for hold

Build Up First

  • Master bodyweight lunge
  • Basic hip hinge competency
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

KB Walking Lunge, Kettlebell Forward Lunge Walk, Suitcase Kettlebell Lunge

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