Video of exercise being performed

How to do a Single Arm Overhead Kettlebell Squat

Reviewed by Jim Parker, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology

Sets Logged
17,255
Popularity Rank
1019th
Difficulty
Advanced
Quads Strength
88 mSCORE 45th
Equipment Required

Workouts with Single Arm Overhead Kettlebell Squat

    Target muscles worked

    Primary Muscles
    Secondary Muscles

    Instructions for Proper Form

    This exercise is a variation on the more standard Overhead Squat. Like other squat variations, this compound exercise primarily targets your quadriceps. Unlike the standard Overhead Squat, this exercise uses a single Kettlebell instead of a Barbell. By loading the weight on one side of the body, you add instability to the movement which can help you recruit your core to maintain good form and posture.

    1. Clean a kettlebell in your left hand up to shoulder height before extending it overtop of your left shoulder, palm facing forward, and maintain this position.
    2. Keep your weight evenly distributed through your feet.
    3. Begin to descend by reaching your hips slightly back.
    4. Your knees should track outward over your second toe and slightly forward as you descend while keeping your core braced to keep an upright torso as you sit between your legs.
    5. You should continue to descend to a deep enough depth that allows your spine to remain neutral before extending back to the starting position and repeating with your right arm.

    Common Form Mistakes

    • Resisting Lean

      Your core is responsible for stabilizing your upper body during this exercise. Because the resistance isn’t balanced between both sides, you’ll naturally engage your core to resist leaning to one side. Ensure that you’re only resisting the lean, and keeping your upper body stable. Don’t use your core to assist in performing the exercise.

    Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator

    Average Single Arm Overhead Kettlebell Squat standards by male, female, weight, age and height

    Use this calculator to see Fitbod's possible first recommendations for you. This would be your starting line, based on more than 4.5 billion logged sets from 1.1 million users.

    • beginner
      8
      reps
      17.5
      lbs
      1 Rep Max
      22.5
      lbs
    • intermediate
      8
      reps
      22.5
      lbs
      30
      lbs
    • advanced
      8
      reps
      25
      lbs
      30
      lbs

    Enter your stats to calculate your Reps & Weight