← Back to library
Last updated March 30, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsAbductorsGlutes
Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)
Hold KB handle with both hands. Wide stance. Squat down until KB almost touches floor.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Quads
Secondary
Inner Thigh (large)
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Kettlebell
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 wider than shoulder-width apart, with your toes pointed slightly outward.
- Hold a kettlebell with both hands in front of you, letting it hang down between your legs.
- Step 2Position Your Feet
- Ensure your feet are firmly planted on the ground, and your weight is distributed evenly across your feet.
- Engage your core and keep your chest up to maintain good posture.
- Step 3Initiate the Squat
- Begin the movement by bending at the hips and knees, lowering your body down into a squat.
- Keep your back straight and your chest lifted as you descend.
- Step 4Lower Your Body
- Lower yourself until your thighs are 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 5Hold the Position
- Pause briefly at the bottom of the squat, maintaining tension in your legs and core.
- Keep the kettlebell close to your body throughout the movement.
- Step 6Rise Up
- Push through your heels to stand back up, straightening your legs and returning to the starting position.
- Squeeze your glutes at the top of the movement for added engagement.
- Step 7Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, ensuring to maintain proper form throughout each squat.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully set the kettlebell down on the ground.
- Stand upright and take a moment to catch your breath before moving on to the next exercise.
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

Goblet Squat (Dumbbell)
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

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