← Back to library
Last updated March 30, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsAbductorsGlutes
Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)
Hold one dumbbell vertically against your chest. Squat down deep. This is excellent for learning squat form and improving hip mobility.
Quick facts
- Level
- Beginner
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Low
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Quads
Secondary
Glutes (max)
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Dumbbell
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold a dumbbell with both hands close to your chest.
- Keep your elbows pointed down and your core engaged.
- Step 2Position Your Feet
- Ensure your feet are flat on the ground, slightly turned out if comfortable.
- Your weight should be distributed evenly across your feet.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to stabilize your body.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Step 4Lower into the Squat
- Begin to bend your knees and lower your hips back as if sitting into a chair.
- Keep the dumbbell close to your chest and your elbows inside your knees.
- Step 5Reach the Bottom Position
- Lower yourself until your thighs are at least parallel to the ground, or as low as you can comfortably go.
- Ensure your knees are tracking over your toes and not caving inward.
- Step 6Push Back Up
- Press through your heels to stand back up, extending your knees and hips.
- Keep the dumbbell close to your chest as you rise.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining proper form.
- Focus on controlled movements rather than rushing through the exercise.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the dumbbell to your side.
- Stand tall and take a moment to catch your breath before moving on.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.
_Thighs_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bulgarian Split Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hip Thrust (Barbell)
Glutes (max)
-(male)_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Frog Reverse Hyperextension
Glutes (max)

Sumo Deadlift (Smith)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Zercher Back Extension (Barbell)
Lower Back

Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Hip Thrust (Smith)
Glutes (max)

Resistance Hip Thrust (Barbell)
Glutes (max)

Goblet Squat (Kettlebell)
Quads

Bulgarian Split Squat (Bodyweight)
Quads

Sumo Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Glute Bridge (Band)
Glutes (max)

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Kettlebell)
Hamstrings

Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Leg Press (Smith)
Quads

Hack Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Shuttle (Band)
Quads

Lateral Lunge (Dumbbell)
Quads

Lunge (Barbell)
Quads

Squat (Smith)
Quads

Box Squat (Barbell)
Quads

Squat - Wide (Barbell)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)
Quads

Deadlift - Deficit (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Leg Press - Horizontal, Seated (Machine)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Glute Press (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Thighs-FIX_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hack Squat - Close Stance
Outer Quad

Pull Through (Cable)
Glutes (max)

Hip Thrust (Dumbbell)
Glutes (max)

Swing (Kettlebell)
Glutes (max)

Walking Lunge (Dumbbell)
Quads

Hack Squat
Quads

Rear Kick - Standing (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Glute Kickback (Cable)
Glutes (max)
-(left)_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Kickback - Kneeling, Straight Leg
Glutes (max)

Hip Thrust - Staggered Stance (Barbell)
Glutes (max)

Reverse Lunge (Bodyweight)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Landmine Deadlift
Hamstrings

Lunge - Forward (Kettlebell)
Quads

Lateral Lunge (Barbell)
Quads

Pause Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Pistol Squat (Machine)
Quads

Deadlift - (Trap Bar)
Quads

Sumo Deadlift (Barbell)
Quads

Resistance Leg Kickback (Band)
Glutes (max)

Reverse Vertical Hack Squat (Machine)
Quads

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Straight Leg Deadlift (SDL) (Smith)
Hamstrings

Sumo Romanian Deadlift (Barbell)
Hamstrings

Resistance Hip Thrusts (Band)
Glutes (max)

Rear Decline Bridge
Glutes (max)
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Sled Side Leg Press
Quads

Squat (Band)
Quads

Front Squat (Barbell)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Bent Over Hip Extension (Band)
Glutes (max)

Front Squat (Smith)
Quads
_Hips_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Hip Extension (v2) (Machine)
Glutes (max)
_Hip_medium_1.png&w=3840&q=75)
Pull Through (Cable: Rope)
Glutes (max)

Hack Squat (Smith)
Quads