Front Squats With Two Kettlebells
Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

A lower-body compound exercise using two kettlebells held at shoulder height, combining anterior loading with lower-body development through a full-range squat pattern.
Instructions
- Stand with two kettlebells at your sides, feet at shoulder-width apart.
- Clean both kettlebells to your shoulders simultaneously, rotating your wrists as you pull.
- Hold the kettlebells by the handles with your wrists straight and elbows pointing downward.
- Keep your head up, chest proud, and core engaged as your starting position.
- Descend by bending at your hips and knees, pushing your knees outward as you squat down.
- Squat between your legs, maintaining an upright torso throughout the movement.
- Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor or lower if mobility allows.
- Drive powerfully through your heels to return to the standing position.
Tips
- The kettlebell handles should rest against your shoulders and arms for stability.
- Keep your torso as upright as possible throughout the movement for optimal quadriceps development.
- Your knees should track over your toes; use your adductors to prevent inward collapse.
- The kettlebell front squat requires less wrist mobility than a barbell front squat.
- Drive through your heels and midfoot for powerful extension and maximum leg development.
- This exercise is excellent for developing lower-body strength and functional fitness.
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 |
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