Kettlebell Legs Workout for Beginners
A kettlebell legs workout for beginners that you can do with one kettlebell. 5 exercises, about 31 minutes, targeting hamstrings, quads.
| Level | Beginner |
| Equipment | Kettlebell |
| Time | About 31 minutes |
| Muscles | Hamstrings, Quads |
The workout
| Exercise | Sets / reps |
|---|---|
| 1. Goblet Squat | 3 × 10 |
| 2. Kettlebell One-Legged Deadlift | 3 × 10 / side |
| 3. Bodyweight Walking Lunge | 3 × 10 / side |
| 4. One-Arm Kettlebell Swings | 3 × 10 / side |
| 5. Mountain Climbers | 3 × 10 |
See each exercise
How to do this workout
- Warm up for 5 minutes: brisk walk or easy cardio, then one light set of the first exercise.
- Do the exercises in order. Finish all sets of one before moving on.
- Use a weight you could lift for 2–3 more reps than written. Rest 60–90 seconds between sets.
- Do this workout 1–2 times a week, with at least one rest day before training the same muscles again.
How to progress
When you can do every set with good form at the top of the rep range, add one rep per set the next week, or a small amount of weight (1–2.5 kg). Progress slowly — consistent small jumps beat big ones. For fat loss, pair this with a small calorie deficit and around 1.6–2 g of protein per kg of body weight.
Exercise notes
1. Goblet Squat
Stand holding a light kettlebell by the horns close to your chest. This will be your starting position. Squat down between your legs until your hamstrings are on your calves. Keep your chest and head up and your back straight.
2. Kettlebell One-Legged Deadlift
Hold a kettlebell by the handle in one hand. Stand on one leg, on the same side that you hold the kettlebell. Keeping that knee slightly bent, perform a stiff legged deadlift by bending at the hip, extending your free leg behind you for balance.
3. Bodyweight Walking Lunge
Begin standing with your feet shoulder width apart and your hands on your hips. Step forward with one leg, flexing the knees to drop your hips. Descend until your rear knee nearly touches the ground. Your posture should remain upright, and your front knee should stay above the front foot.
4. One-Arm Kettlebell Swings
5. Mountain Climbers
Begin in a pushup position, with your weight supported by your hands and toes. Flexing the knee and hip, bring one leg until the knee is approximately under the hip. This will be your starting position. Explosively reverse the positions of your legs, extending the bent leg until the leg is straight and supported by the toe, and bringing the other foot up with the hip and knee flexed. Repeat in an alternating fashion for 20-30 seconds.
Weekly plans that use this workout
More workouts like this
Gear for this workout
KettlebellSwings, goblet squats and carries: a full-body workout with one tool.Stop if anything hurts (sharp pain is different from muscle burn). If you have an injury or health condition, check with your GP or a physio first.