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Kettlebell Lunge with Twist

Intermediate
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A dynamic lunge variation combining a forward step with torso rotation to target the quads, glutes, and obliques for improved core stability and coordination.

About Exercise

Equipment

Kettlebell

Difficulty

4/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Quads, Glutes, Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Lower Back, Adductors, Calves, Hip Flexors

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Strength
Stability
Conditioning
Mobility

Training Style

Functional Training
CrossFit

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Medium

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Quads

9/10

Rectus Femoris, Vastus Lateralis, Vastus Medialis

Glutes

8/10

Glute Max

Obliques

8/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Hamstrings

7/10

Biceps Femoris, Semitendinosus

Abs

6/10

Rectus Abdominis

Lower Back

5/10

Erector Spinae

Adductors

4/10

Calves

3/10

Soleus

Hip Flexors

3/10

Iliopsoas

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Stand tall holding a kettlebell at chest height in a goblet grip with elbows tucked and core braced.

  1. Step forward into a lunge, lowering hips until the front thigh is parallel to the floor.
  2. Rotate your torso and the kettlebell over the front leg while keeping hips square.
  3. Rotate back to the center with control.
  4. Drive through the front heel to return to the starting position.
  5. Repeat on the other side or alternate legs.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Chest up
  • Rotate from ribs
  • Hips square
  • Front heel down
  • Control the twist

Breathing

Inhale as you step forward and lower, exhale as you rotate and drive back up.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Lower until the back knee hovers just above the floor and rotate the torso approximately 45 degrees.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure the front knee tracks over the toes.
  • Avoid if you have acute lower back pain.
  • Start with a lighter weight to master balance.

Spotting

Not recommended; perform in a clear space.

Common Mistakes

  • Twisting the knee
  • Leaning forward
  • Rushing the rotation
  • Lifting front heel

When to Avoid

  • Acute knee injuries
  • Lower back strains
  • Shoulder instability

Flexibility Needed

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

Build Up First

  • Proficiency in basic lunges
  • Core bracing technique
  • Balance in single-leg stance

Also known as

Goblet Lunge with Rotation, Rotational Kettlebell Lunge, Kettlebell Rotating Lunge, Lunge with Twist

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