Single Arm Overhead Kettlebell Squat

The Single Arm Overhead Kettlebell Squat is an advanced functional exercise that challenges full-body stability, mobility, and strength. It targets the quadriceps and glutes while demanding intense core bracing and shoulder stability to keep the weight locked out overhead.

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

This complex lift requires exceptional neuromuscular coordination, which degrades quickly with fatigue. The AI analyzes your daily recovery metrics and HRV to ensure your central nervous system is primed for this high-stability movement. If your performance data shows a struggle with maintaining intensity or rep consistency, the app can suggest regressing to a racked position to preserve the training stimulus without risking injury due to shoulder fatigue.

Form Cues

Do
  • Lock your elbow completely and keep the bicep close to your ear
  • Brace your core tightly before descending
  • Squat down by pushing your hips back and down
  • Keep your eyes focused on the kettlebell to improve balance
  • Drive through your heels to stand back up
Don't
  • Don't let your elbow bend or the weight drift forward
  • Don't allow your knees to collapse inward
  • Don't lift your heels off the ground
  • Don't rush the movement; maintain control
  • Don't arch your lower back excessively

Common Mistakes

  • Bending the elbow mid-rep
  • Leaning the torso too far forward
  • Lacking sufficient thoracic mobility
  • Knees caving inward (valgus)
  • Shifting weight to the toes

Muscles Worked

This exercise primarily builds explosive strength in the quadriceps and glutes through the deep squatting pattern. Simultaneously, it acts as a powerful isometric drill for the anterior deltoids, upper back, and core, which must work together to prevent rotation and maintain the overhead load.

Primary

QuadricepsAnterior Deltoid

Secondary

GlutesGeneral Core

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