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Legs

Goblet Squat

Targets Quads, Glutes.

beginnerDumbbellsStrength

Overview

The Goblet Squat is a beginner-level strength exercise that targets quads, glutes and supports core, hamstrings.

  • Builds leg strength with a safer, more beginner-friendly loading position.
  • Engages the core as it stabilizes the weight in front of you.

Muscles Worked

Primaryquadsglutes
Secondarycorehamstrings

Instructions

  1. 1

    Hold one dumbbell vertically against your chest with both hands, elbows tucked.

  2. 2

    Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and toes slightly out.

  3. 3

    Squat down, keeping the dumbbell close to your chest and your chest tall.

  4. 4

    Drive back up through your heels to a full standing position.

Tips for perfect form

  • The front-loaded position naturally teaches an upright torso — great for learning to squat.
  • Choose a weight you can control for every rep; technique first.
  • Exhale as you drive up, inhale as you lower.

Common Mistakes

  • Letting the dumbbell drift away from the chest, rounding the back.
  • Going too heavy too soon and losing depth.

Safety Tips

  • Warm up before starting and stop immediately if you feel sharp pain.

Beginner Modification

Use a lighter dumbbell or squat to a box until your depth and torso position feel comfortable.

How to Progress

  1. 1.Increase the weight or slow the descent.
  2. 2.Progress toward a front squat or barbell back squat.

Variations

Bodyweight SquatFront Squat

Recommended Sets & Reps

LevelSetsRepsRest
beginner2-38-1260-90s

General guidance — adjust based on your experience and goals.

Discussion

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