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Exercise guide

Kettlebell Pistol Squat

How to do the Kettlebell Pistol Squat with correct form, the muscles it works, and where it fits a training plan you actually stick to.

CompoundKettlebellsExpertPush
Primary muscles

Quads

Secondary

Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Shoulders

Equipment

Kettlebells

Step by step

How to do the Kettlebell Pistol Squat

  1. 1

    Pick up a kettlebell with two hands and hold it by the horns. Hold one leg off of the floor and squat down on the other.

  2. 2

    Squat down by flexing the knee and sitting back with the hips, holding the kettlebell up in front of you.

  3. 3

    Hold the bottom position for a second and then reverse the motion, driving through the heel and keeping your head and chest up.

  4. 4

    Lower yourself again and repeat.

In Ascend

Log it, see it on your body.

Every Kettlebell Pistol Squat set you log feeds Ascend's anatomy heatmap, so your quads volume is visible at a glance, and counts toward your bodyweight-strength tier.

Related

More quads exercises

FAQ

Kettlebell Pistol Squat: common questions

What muscles does the Kettlebell Pistol Squat work?

The Kettlebell Pistol Squat primarily works the Quads. It also recruits the Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings and Shoulders as supporting muscles.

Is the Kettlebell Pistol Squat suitable for beginners?

The Kettlebell Pistol Squat is an expert-level exercise. It demands well-developed strength, mobility and technique, so it suits experienced lifters more than beginners.

What equipment do I need for the Kettlebell Pistol Squat?

To do the Kettlebell Pistol Squat you'll need one or more kettlebells.

Is the Kettlebell Pistol Squat a compound or isolation exercise?

The Kettlebell Pistol Squat is a compound exercise, it moves multiple joints and works several muscle groups at once, which makes it efficient for building overall strength.

How do I do the Kettlebell Pistol Squat with correct form?

Pick up a kettlebell with two hands and hold it by the horns. Hold one leg off of the floor and squat down on the other. Follow the full step-by-step above for the complete movement.

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