Kettlebell Swing vs Squats: Which Is Better For Your Legs?

Want more powerful, strong, and muscular legs? Do a kettlebell swing instead of a squat.

Okay, okay, I understand that’s not a common or popular statement but it very well might be true.

Sure, we know that the squat is a classic exercise for building quadriceps, hamstring, glutes, and calf strength. The kettlebell, however, is an exercise that should not be underestimated for increasing power. Remember, your goals determine your exercise selection. In a world where people are purely attempting dumb looking exercises with no purpose just for views on social media, considering using kettlebells instead of squats for your lower body isn’t that naïve. If hanging upside down from a pull up bar to do crunches is popular then why not using kettlebells? One study even showed that kettlebell swings helped build squat strength by 10%. (1)

Why would you use a kettlebell swing instead of a squat?

For starters, beginners can benefit faster from a kettlebell swing than they can from squats. It’s a more natural movement than squatting when you factor in the barbell across your upper back on a beginner with their traditionally weak core.

How about injury prevention? Kettlebell swings are going to increase glute and low…