How to Do Barbell Thruster: Step by Step
- Bar in front rack, perform a front squat
- Drive up explosively out of the squat
- Use momentum to press bar overhead
- Lock out overhead, then lower to rack position
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Pausing between squat and press
- Not hitting depth on the squat
- Pressing too early before standing
Barbell Thruster Tips
- Ensure you've built a solid foundation with easier variations before attempting this exercise
- Focus on the mind-muscle connection — think about the target muscle working
- Control both the lifting and lowering phases for maximum muscle activation
- Use a tempo of 2 seconds up, 1 second pause, 2 seconds down for best results
Muscles Worked
quadsshoulderscore
Equipment
barbell
Tracking
Count reps