Thruster
A compound exercise combining a front squat and overhead press in one continuous movement to build total body strength and power.
Instructions
- Position the barbell on your shoulders at about upper chest height with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Keep your elbows high and core engaged.
- Descend into a full front squat by flexing your knees and hips.
- Maintain an upright torso throughout the squat portion.
- Drive through your heels to stand up powerfully from the squat.
- As you reach the top, drive the barbell overhead by pressing it to full arm extension.
- Lower the bar back to shoulder height to complete one rep.
Tips
- Use a weight that allows you to maintain proper form through both movements.
- The drive from the squat should provide momentum for the overhead press.
- Keep your core tight throughout to transfer power from lower to upper body.
- Breathe in on the descent and out on the drive up and press.
- This exercise is excellent for developing total body strength and power.
Recommended starting values
Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Weight | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | Female | |||
| Gain strength | 3 | 7 reps | 22.5 kg | 12.5 kg |
| Build muscle | 3 | 10 reps | 20 kg | 10 kg |
| Build endurance | 3 | 14 reps | 15 kg | 7.5 kg |
Alternatives
Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.
Alternating Lunge Waves (Battle Rope)
Learn more about alternating lunge waves (battle rope) intermediate strength
Bottoms Up Squat (Kettlebell)
Learn more about bottoms up squat (kettlebell) intermediate strength
Clean Squat Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about clean squat press (dumbbell) expert strength
Double Kettlebell Thruster
Learn more about double kettlebell thruster intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Overhead Lunge (Dumbbell)
Learn more about overhead lunge (dumbbell) intermediate strength
Overhead Squat (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about overhead squat (medicine ball) intermediate strength
Push Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about push press (dumbbell) intermediate strength
Squat to Press (Dumbbell)
Learn more about squat to press (dumbbell) intermediate strength
Squat Waves (Battle Rope)
Learn more about squat waves (battle rope) beginner strength
Thruster (Band)
Learn more about thruster (band) intermediate strength
Thruster (Dumbbell)
Learn more about thruster (dumbbell) intermediate strength
intermediate strength
Thruster (Medicine Ball)
Learn more about thruster (medicine ball) intermediate strength
intermediate strength