Kettlebell Goblet Squat

Equipment: Kettlebell

Kettlebell Goblet Squat
Primary Muscles
  • Gluteus Maximus
  • Quadriceps
Synergistic Muscles
  • Adductor Magnus
  • Soleus
  • Tensor Fasciae Latae

Kettlebell Goblet Squats are a great exercise to strengthen your legs, glutes and core. Here are the steps to perform them correctly:

  1. Hold a kettlebell by the horns close to your chest. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly turned out.
  2. Brace your core and keep your chest up as you lower your hips until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Push your knees out and keep your weight on your heels.
  3. Drive through your heels and squeeze your glutes to stand up. Keep the kettlebell close to your chest throughout the movement.
  4. Repeat for the desired number of reps.

Introduction

The Kettlebell Goblet Squat is a versatile lower body exercise that involves holding a kettlebell by the horn in front of your chest while performing a squat movement. This exercise strengthens the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and core, improves mobility, and enhances overall stability. It's an effective choice for various fitness goals due to its compound nature, engaging multiple muscle groups simultaneously, making it a time-efficient exercise for building functional strength and power.

Muscles Worked

  • Primary: Quadriceps, Gluteus Maximus, Hamstrings, Calves, Erector Spinae
  • Secondary: Adductors, Abductor Muscles (outer thigh), Lower Back, Core

How to Do It (Step-by-Step)

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a kettlebell vertically by the horns with both hands at chest level.
  2. Lower your body as if sitting into an imaginary chair, keeping your back straight and chest lifted, until your elbows are outside your knees.
  3. Keep your core engaged, heels on the ground, and weights close to your body during the entire movement.

Tip: Keep your weight in your heels throughout the squat for better stability and balance.

Rep & Rest Guidelines

  • Strength: 4–6 reps, 2–3 min rest
  • Hypertrophy: 8–12 reps, 60–90 sec rest
  • Endurance: 12–20 reps, 30–60 sec rest

Consider using the Auto Progression feature for increasing your kettlebell goblet squat workload over time.

Make sure to utilize the Rest Timer to ensure proper rest periods between sets and maintain optimal performance.

Form Tips

  • Maintain a neutral spine and chest up to keep your back straight.
  • Keep the kettlebell close to your body, with the handle under the wrist, for optimal control and balance.
  • Squat by pushing your hips back as if you are sitting in a chair, ensuring your knees stay aligned over your ankles and don't collapse inward during the movement.

When to Use It

  • For improving lower body strength and mobility in a functional manner
  • As a compound exercise for building quadriceps, glutes, and core muscles
  • To enhance explosive power in athletic movements such as jumping and plyometrics

Perform your workouts consistently to track your progress over time. Workout History

kettlebell goblet squat - Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about kettlebell goblet squat to optimize your training.

The kettlebell goblet squat primarily works the quadriceps, glutes, and hamstrings.

Hold the kettlebell by the horns, feet shoulder-width apart, push hips back, chest up, and squat down until thighs are parallel to the floor.

Start with a weight that allows you to perform 12–15 reps with proper form, gradually increasing the weight as you get stronger.

It's generally recommended to give muscles at least one day of rest between workouts to recover and grow.

Use a lighter weight, perform the squat in a more controlled manner, and consider using a box to aid in descending and ascending.

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