Barbell thruster

The barbell thruster is a full-body exercise that incorporates both squatting and pressing in one functional movement. It's especially common in contemporary CrossFit workouts, but also in general strength training. The barbell is usually cleaned into place first, but it could be performed taken from a squat rack in a front-rack position. The thruster can be performed in traditional strength-focused rep ranges to build strength in the press, or in higher reps for full-body conditioning.

Benefits

  1. Front squat develops quads, hamstrings, glutes, and core strength
  2. Overhead press works shoulders, triceps, and upper back
  3. Can be a strength move or a metcon, depending on rep range
  4. Squat helps push through the sticking point of the press
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Barbell thruster Images

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Barbell thruster Instructions

Barbell thruster muscle diagram
  1. Set the bar in a rack slightly below shoulder level so that when under it, your knees are slightly bent. Rest the bar on top of the front deltoids, pushing into the clavicles, and lightly touching the throat. Your hands should be in a clean grip, touching the bar only with your fingers to help keep it in position.
  2. To unrack the bar, push upward into it and push your hips forward. Step away from the rack and position your legs using a shoulder-width medium stance with the toes slightly pointed out. Keep your head and elbows up at all times. Your triceps should remain parallel with the ground. Keep a neutral neck and flat back. This will be your starting position.
  3. Descend into a squat by pushing your hips and butt back. Continue down until the upper legs are at or just below parallel to the floor. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
  4. As you prepare to ascend, push through your heels and begin to wrap your fingers tightly around the bar for a firm grip. As you near the top of your squat, begin pressing the bar up towards the ceiling, allowing your neck to hyperextend so that the bar has room to move.
  5. A final position will be one in which your arms are fully extended overhead and your legs straight. Maintain tightness from head to toe.
  6. Lower the bar slowly, allowing your knees to bend to lessen the blow. Immediately transition back into the squatting movement to continue into the next repetition. Repeat for recommended number of repetitions.

Alternative Exercises for Barbell thruster

Push-press thumbnail image Push-press thumbnail image

Push-press

Muscle Targeted: Quadriceps
Equipment Type: Barbell
9.3
Average