Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)
Level
beginner
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
kettlebells Category
strength Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
A squat variation where a single kettlebell is held vertically at the chest, promoting upright posture and depth while strengthening the lower body and core.
Instructions
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and hold a kettlebell vertically at chest height by the handle.
- Keep elbows positioned inside your knees and your chest upright.
- Initiate the descent by pushing your hips back and bending your knees simultaneously.
- Lower until your thighs are parallel to the ground or deeper if mobility permits.
- Keep your chest up, core engaged, and weight balanced over your midfoot.
- Drive through your feet to return to standing, pressing back to the starting position.
Tips
- The front loading position naturally encourages an upright torso and promotes proper squat mechanics.
- Elbows inside the knees helps achieve greater depth and improves hip mobility.
- Maintain tension through your core to protect your lower back and maximize stability.
- This is an excellent progression exercise for learning proper squat form before heavy barbell squats.
- Use a lighter kettlebell to focus on form, or increase load to build strength and muscle.
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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