Train Fitness has rebranded to Motra. Learn More

Kettlebell Goblet Curtsy Lunge

Intermediate
Home Friendly

A unilateral lower-body exercise holding a kettlebell at chest height, targeting glutes and quads to build strength and hip stability through a diagonal movement pattern.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Glutes, Quads

Secondary Muscles

Adductors, Abs

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Glutes

9/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Quads

8/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Hamstrings

6/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Adductors

5/10

Adductor Magnus

Abs

4/10

Transverse Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart, holding a kettlebell by the horns against your chest with elbows tucked and core braced.

  1. Shift your weight to one foot and step the opposite leg diagonally behind you.
  2. Lower your hips until the front thigh is parallel to the floor and back knee hovers above the ground.
  3. Keep your torso upright and ensure the front knee tracks over the toes.
  4. Drive through the front heel to return to the starting position.
  5. Complete reps on one side or alternate legs as programmed.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up
  • Step diagonally
  • Hips square
  • Front heel heavy
  • Crush the handle

Breathing

Inhale as you step back and lower into the lunge; exhale as you drive back up to standing.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until the front thigh is parallel to the floor and the back knee is just above the ground.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure stable footing before descending
  • Stop if you feel sharp knee pain
  • Maintain a neutral spine throughout

Spotting

Not recommended; drop the weight safely if balance is lost.

Common Mistakes

  • Twisting the hips
  • Back knee hitting floor
  • Front knee collapsing inward
  • Leaning too far forward

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee pain
  • Hip instability
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate hip flexion
  • Ankle dorsiflexion for depth

Build Up First

  • Master basic lunge form
  • Hip hinge proficiency

Also known as

KB Curtsy Lunge, Goblet Cross Lunge, Diagonal Goblet Lunge, Kettlebell Cross Lunge

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.