Double Kettlebell Front Squat

Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells
Category
strength
Primary Muscles

A kettlebell squat variation with the bells held at shoulder height. Develops quad strength and anterior core stability.

Instructions

  1. Clean two kettlebells to shoulder height with your elbows pointing downward and forward.
  2. Position your feet hip to shoulder-width apart with your toes pointing slightly outward.
  3. Keep your chest up and your core engaged throughout the movement.
  4. Inhale and lower your body by bending at your hips and knees, descending into a squat.
  5. Lower until your thighs are parallel to the ground or slightly below.
  6. Maintain an upright torso and keep the kettlebells at shoulder height throughout the descent.
  7. Drive through your heels to stand back up, extending your hips and knees.
  8. Exhale at the top of the movement as you return to the starting position.
  9. Repeat for the prescribed number of repetitions.

Tips

  • The front position of the kettlebells keeps tension on the quads and core, making this an excellent leg-building variation.
  • Maintain an upright torso throughout the movement; excessive forward lean reduces quad engagement.
  • Keep your elbows pointing slightly forward and downward to maintain proper kettlebell positioning.
  • Drive through your heels, not your toes, to maintain balance and proper weight distribution.
  • This variation is excellent for building quadriceps strength while also developing core stability.
  • Use a controlled tempo, avoiding excessive speed or bouncing at the bottom of the squat.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 7 reps 13 kg 9 kg
Build muscle 3 10 reps 12 kg 8 kg
Build endurance 3 14 reps 9 kg 6 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Bulgarian Split Squat (Smith Machine)

Learn more about bulgarian split squat (smith machine)
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
expert strength

Front Foot Elevated Split Squat (Trap Bar)

Learn more about front foot elevated split squat (trap bar)
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
expert strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
expert strength
beginner strength
expert strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength

Sumo Squat with Hip Abduction (Band)

Learn more about sumo squat with hip abduction (band)
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
expert strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
beginner strength
expert strength