Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)

The Kettlebell Sumo Squat is a lower-body strength exercise performed with a wide stance and toes pointed outward, holding a kettlebell between the legs. This variation shifts focus to the inner thighs (adductors) and glutes while allowing for a more upright torso than traditional squats.

Exercise movement reviewed by:Cody Lockling, MS, CSCS
How Iridium Helps

Since the Sumo Squat places high demand on hip mobility and adductor strength, our AI analyzes your RPE and recovery data to ensure your joints can handle the load without compensation. If you report lower back tightness or hip pinching, the system can instantly suggest regressions or adjust volume based on your current recovery status. Additionally, by integrating your sleep and cycle tracking, the AI can modify intensity during phases where joint laxity or fatigue might compromise your wide-stance stability.

Form Cues

Do
  • Set your feet wider than shoulder-width with toes pointed out about 45 degrees
  • Keep your chest tall and shoulders pulled back throughout the movement
  • Push your knees outward so they track directly over your toes
  • Descend until your thighs are parallel to the floor
  • Drive through your heels and squeeze your glutes at the top
Don't
  • Don't let your knees collapse inward (valgus) as you move
  • Don't round your upper back or hunch your shoulders forward
  • Don't lift your heels off the ground at the bottom of the squat
  • Don't look down at the floor; keep your gaze neutral

Common Mistakes

  • Stance too narrow
  • Knees caving inward
  • Rounding the lower back
  • Leaning too far forward
  • limiting range of motion

Muscles Worked

This exercise is a powerhouse for the lower body, specifically targeting the adductors (inner thighs) due to the wide stance. It heavily recruits the gluteus maximus and quadriceps for power, while the core and spinal erectors work isometrically to maintain an upright posture against the anterior load.

Primary

GlutesQuadricepsAdductors

Secondary

HamstringsGeneral CoreForearms

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