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Last updated March 5, 2026
AdductorsCalvesHamstringsQuadricepsShoulders
Thruster (Barbell)
Hold the bar at your shoulders. Perform a front squat, and as you rise, press the bar overhead. This is a metabolic conditioning powerhouse.
Quick facts
- Level
- Advanced
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Very High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Quads
Secondary
Front Shoulders
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Barbell
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and the barbell resting on your shoulders.
- Ensure your elbows are pointing forward and your grip is just outside your shoulders.
- Step 2Engage Your Core
- Tighten your core muscles to stabilize your body throughout the movement.
- Keep your chest up and your back straight.
- Step 3Squat Down
- Begin the movement by bending your knees and lowering your body into a squat.
- Keep your weight on your heels and ensure your knees do not extend past your toes.
- Step 4Drive Up
- Push through your heels to stand back up, extending your hips and knees.
- As you rise, press the barbell overhead by extending your arms.
- Step 5Lockout
- At the top of the movement, your arms should be fully extended overhead with your body in a straight line.
- Ensure your shoulders are engaged and your core remains tight.
- Step 6Lower the Bar
- Lower the barbell back to your shoulders as you descend into another squat.
- Maintain control of the barbell throughout the movement.
- Step 7Repeat
- Continue performing the thruster for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form with each rep.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the barbell to the ground or rack it safely.
- Take a moment to catch your breath and assess your form.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.

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Sumo Squat (Dumbbell)
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Sumo Squat (Kettlebell)
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Thruster (Dumbbell)
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