Train Fitness has rebranded to Motra. Learn More

Kettlebell Goblet Split Squat

Intermediate
Home Friendly

A unilateral lunge variation performed holding a kettlebell at chest height that targets the quads and glutes to build single-leg strength and stability; commonly scaled by adjusting weight or range of motion.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes

Secondary Muscles

Hamstrings, Calves, Adductors

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Weightlifting

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max, Glute Medius

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Hamstrings

5/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Adductors

4/10

Calves

3/10

Gastrocnemius

Programming

Typical Rep Range

6-12 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds

How to Perform

Stand with feet hip-width apart holding a kettlebell by the horns against your chest. Step one foot back into a staggered stance, keeping the rear heel elevated and weight balanced.

  1. Inhale and brace your core, keeping your torso upright.
  2. Lower your hips straight down until the back knee hovers just above the floor.
  3. Ensure your front knee tracks over your toes.
  4. Exhale and drive through the front foot to return to the starting position.
  5. Complete all reps on one side before switching legs.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up
  • Elbows tucked
  • Drive through front heel
  • Vertical shin
  • Eyes forward

Breathing

Inhale as you lower your hips; exhale forcefully as you drive back up.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower hips until the back knee is 2-5cm off the floor and the front thigh is parallel to the ground.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Keep the back neutral throughout the movement.
  • Stop if you feel sharp knee pain.
  • Ensure the floor is not slippery.

Spotting

Not recommended; drop the weight safely if needed.

Common Mistakes

  • Back knee hitting floor
  • Torso leaning forward
  • Front heel lifting
  • Knee caving in

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Lower back strain
  • Hip impingement

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate ankle dorsiflexion
  • Hip flexion range
  • Thoracic spine mobility

Build Up First

  • Master basic squat form
  • Single-leg balance competency
  • Core bracing technique

Also known as

Kettlebell Split Squat, KB Goblet Split Squat, Static 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.