Goblet Squat

A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a kettlebell.

Goblet Squat — Starting position Starting position
Goblet Squat — End position End position
Difficulty Beginner
Type Strength
Equipment Kettlebell
Primary Muscle Quads
AI Rep Counting Log manually

How to Do Goblet Squat

  1. Stand holding a light kettlebell by the horns close to your chest. This will be your starting position.
  2. Squat down between your legs until your hamstrings are on your calves. Keep your chest and head up and your back straight.
  3. At the bottom position, pause and use your elbows to push your knees out. Return to the starting position, and repeat for 10-20 repetitions.

Muscles Worked

Front
Back

Primary

Where Goblet Squat does most of its work.

Secondary

Assisting and stabilising muscles.

Alternatives to Goblet Squat

10 movements that train the same primary muscle, closest substitutes first — same kind of training, then variations of the movement itself, then a similar difficulty.

  1. 1 Barbell Squat

    Barbell Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.

    beginner Barbell
  2. 2 Chair Squat

    Chair Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.

    beginner Machines
  3. 3 Dumbbell Squat

    Dumbbell Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using dumbbells.

    beginner Dumbbells
  4. 4 Hack Squat

    Hack Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.

    beginner Machines
  5. 5 Plie Dumbbell Squat

    Plie Dumbbell Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using dumbbells.

    beginner Dumbbells
  6. 6 Smith Machine Squat

    Smith Machine Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.

    beginner Machines
  7. 7 Smith Single-Leg Split Squat

    Smith Single-Leg Split Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a machine.

    beginner Machines
  8. 8 Barbell Side Split Squat

    Barbell Side Split Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using a barbell.

    beginner Barbell
  9. 9 Single-Leg High Box Squat

    Single-Leg High Box Squat

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads.

    beginner Not specified
  10. 10 Split Squat with Dumbbells

    Split Squat with Dumbbells

    A beginner compound strength exercise that works the quads, using dumbbells.

    beginner Dumbbells

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles do goblet squat work?

Goblet Squat primarily works the quads. The calves, glutes, hamstrings and shoulders assist as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for goblet squat?

Goblet Squat uses kettlebell.

Goblet Squat: is it suitable for beginners?

Yes. Goblet Squat is rated beginner. Movements you can learn in a session, with a low skill floor and a forgiving failure mode.

What can I do instead of goblet squat?

Barbell Squat, Chair Squat, Dumbbell Squat train the same primary muscles and are listed with 7 more alternatives above.

Can Fitnit count my goblet squat reps automatically?

Not automatically yet. Fitnit's AI rep counting covers push-ups, squats, dumbbell curls, crunches and pull-ups today; goblet squat can be logged manually in the app, and tracked movements are added over time.

Photographs and step-by-step instructions from free-exercise-db, a public-domain exercise dataset. Muscle mapping and alternatives by Fitnit.

Track Your Goblet Squat with AI

Fitnit automatically tracks push-ups, crunches, squats, pull-ups, and curls with advanced body tracking technology — and you can manually input any other workout too. Start free — Pro is $8.99/month.