How to do a Single Arm Overhead Kettlebell Squat
Reviewed by JP Michelsen, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Single Arm Overhead Kettlebell Squat
Target muscles worked
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.
- 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.
- Keep your weight evenly distributed through your feet.
- Begin to descend by reaching your hips slightly back.
- 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.
- 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
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- beginner8reps17.5lbs1 Rep Max22.5lbs
- intermediate8reps22.5lbs30lbs
- advanced8reps25lbs30lbs
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Alternative Exercises to Single Arm Overhead Kettlebell Squat
1. Kettlebell Front Squat
70.9 mSCORESWAPPED 23 TIMESKettlebell Front Squat is a variation of Front Squat that utilizes a single kettlebell instead of a barbell. Like other front squats, this compound exercise primarily targets your quadriceps. The use of a kettlebell instead of a barbell can make this a more accessible variation since it requires less mobility in your upper body to keep the weight in the proper position.
- Intermediate
- Quads
- Kettlebells
2. Kettlebell Goblet Squat
0.7 mSCORESWAPPED 20 TIMESThe Kettlebell Goblet Squat is a compound exercise that targets the quads, glutes, and core, emphasizing proper squat form and depth. Holding the kettlebell close to the chest improves posture and engages the core, offering a safer alternative for individuals with lower back concerns. This variation is particularly effective for beginners to learn squat mechanics and for experienced lifters to enhance squat depth and lower body strength. The added front load challenges stability and increases the demand on the anterior core, making it a versatile exercise for improving functional strength and mobility.
- Intermediate
- Quads
- Kettlebells
3. Air Squats
92.1 mSCORESWAPPED 19 TIMESAir Squats are a bodyweight variation of Squats. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. Without any added resistance this is easily one of the most beginner friendly exercises out there. It’s a great way to start building strength, and working your way towards more advanced variations.
- Beginner
- Quads
4. Leg Press
99.7 mSCORESWAPPED 17 TIMESLeg Press is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. The exercise itself is fairly similar to a standard squat, with some key differences. The biggest of these differences is the added stability from supporting your back on the Leg Press Machine. The end result of these changes is a more stable movement that further emphasizes your quadriceps. Leg Press is an excellent exercise for anyone looking to build muscle mass or strength in their quads.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Leg Press
5. Dual Kettlebell Front Squat
64.2 mSCORESWAPPED 15 TIMESDual Kettlebell Front Squat is a variation on the more standard Front Squat. Like other Front Squat variations, this compound exercise primarily targets your quadriceps. The use of kettlebells can make this exercise more accessible for anyone with limitations in upper body mobility. This is a great exercise for working your way towards performing a standard Front Squat.
- Intermediate
- Quads
- Kettlebells
6. Dumbbell Goblet Squat
87.9 mSCORESWAPPED 15 TIMESDumbbell Goblet Squat is a variation on the more standard Front Squat. Like other squat variations, this compound exercise primarily targets the quadriceps. Goblet squats are beneficial because they require less upper body mobility in order to keep the weight in the proper position compared to using a barbell.
7. Dumbbell Squat To Shoulder Press
98.1 mSCORESWAPPED 14 TIMESDumbbell Squat to Shoulder Press is a combination of a Dumbbell Squat and a Shoulder Press. Both pieces of this exercise are compound movements that primarily target the quads and shoulders respectively. Combining these two movements is more than just the sum of its parts. It’s a very functional movement that has tons of practical applications, especially for sports. It’s also a great starting point for anyone looking to build the strength and conditioning needed for more explosive exercises like Thrusters, or eventually Olympic lifts.
8. Dumbbell Squat
94.1 mSCORESWAPPED 14 TIMESDumbbell Squat is a variation of the more standard Squat. Like other variations, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the quadriceps. The advantage of using dumbbells rather than a barbell is that you have more freedom in your range of motion which can make this a more accessible variation for anyone with mobility limitations. With that freedom comes a bit more instability with this exercise though, which can help you further improve your squat for, and build the strength needed for heavier, or more complex variations.
9. Leg Extension
99.4 mSCORESWAPPED 14 TIMESLeg Extensions are an isolation exercise that target the quads. Due to a severe lack of isolation movements for the lower body, this is a great option for specifically targeting your quadriceps. The use of a machine restricts your range of motion, and adds some stability to the movement. This can help your focus more on exertion than stabilizing the movement. The downside to this exercise is that it places a lot of tension on your knee. Keep your weights light, and focus on pausing near the end of your range of motion.
- Beginner
- Quads
- Leg Extension Machine
10. Kettlebell Racked Reverse Lunge
56.4 mSCORESWAPPED 11 TIMESThis exercise is a more challenging weighted variation of the reverse lunge. Like the standard reverse lunge, this is a unilateral exercise that primarily targets your quads. By holding a single kettlebell in a front rack position, you add some imbalance to the movement. This is a great exercise for anyone looking to get a bit more out of their lunges.
- Intermediate
- Quads
- Kettlebells