How To Hold a Kettlebell For a Goblet Squat

Kettlebells are super versatile and I highly recommend them for clients that train from home. However, they can also be large and bulky. Especially the competition kettlebells.

I’m going to show you 3 ways to hold the KB when performing a Goblet Squat. You can then decide which one you prefer.

1. UPSIDE DOWN held by the “Bell”

This one is my favourite. You get the heels of each hand as close as possible under the bell and you don’t need to grip it. It just sits there. Ensure your fingers are spread wide, the base is just under the chin and the bell is also very close to the chest.

2. UPRIGHT held by the “horns”

Possibly the most challenging variation for grip. You need to hold the horns of the kettlebell on either side ensuring the handle lines up with somewhere from chin to nose. This keeps the heavier Bell section close to the chest.

For added security you can also hold the kettlebell with your forearms by locking then against either side. This also provide a lot of stability in the upper body and helps create full body tension.

3. UPSIDE DOWN held by the “horns”

A great option for people with smaller hands that may feel uncomfortable holding the bell end (too funny not to leave in the blog, sorry!).

Keep the bell tilted towards the chest to ensure it doesn’t want to fall forwards. Do this by keeping the elbows underneath the grip as much as possible.

Before anyone asks, yes you can use Dumbells for this exercise and yes it is easier to grip but that would be a short blog post altogether.

If you use a KB to perform Goblet Squats I would love to know which one you prefer?

1, 2 or 3?

Answers on a postcard or, cheaper still, leave a comment on my post.

Thanks for reading!

Mark 💙