How to Do Thrusters with Barbells, Dumbbells, Kettlebells, and More

No matter if you prefer using dumbbells, kettlebells, or a barbell, this comprehensive guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to properly perform the thruster exercise. Let's dive right in! The thruster exercise may sound like a silly dance move your dad attempts at your wedding, but don't be fooled – it's actually an incredibly effective full-body workout. According to Rebecca Rouse, a certified USA Weightlifter, kettlebell coach, and personal trainer, anyone can learn and benefit from doing thrusters, regardless of their fitness level or experience. So, what exactly is a thruster? It is a compound exercise that engages multiple muscle groups simultaneously. By combining a front squat with an overhead press, you can reap numerous benefits from this dynamic movement. Now, let's explore the advantages of incorporating thrusters into your workout routine. This exercise helps improve overall strength and power, while also enhancing cardiovascular endurance. Additionally, thrusters target major muscle groups such as the legs, glutes, core, shoulders, and arms. They are particularly beneficial for developing lower body strength and explosiveness. To perform a thruster, you have several options depending on the equipment available to you. If you only have dumbbells, follow our instructions for the dumbbell thruster. Alternatively, if you prefer using kettlebells, we'll provide guidance on performing the kettlebell thruster. And if you have access to a barbell, we've got you covered with the barbell thruster variation. Regardless of the equipment you choose, you can enjoy the benefits of the thruster exercise. In conclusion, the thruster exercise is a versatile and effective compound movement that can be adapted to suit your equipment preferences. By incorporating thrusters into your workouts, you can improve your overall strength, power, and endurance. So, grab your dumbbells, kettlebells, or barbell, and start reaping the rewards of this fantastic exercise.

How to Do Barbell Thrusters

The thruster is a challenging and intense exercise that works the entire body. It combines elements of the front squat and overhead press to engage and challenge major muscles and joints. If you're new to thrusters, starting with barbell thrusters is recommended. While it may take some time to get comfortable with the barbell, it provides the best foundation for this exercise. To perform a barbell thruster, begin by power cleaning the weight up to a front-rack position. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and the bar pressed against the shins. Brace your midline and hinge at the hips to grab the barbell with an overhand grip. Clean the barbell along your legs and explosively open your hips as the barbell passes your thighs. Pull your elbows as high as possible and rotate them underneath to catch the barbell in the front-rack position. Stand up to get into the starting position. Activate your core and press your feet into the floor. Keep your elbows up as you sit back and bend your knees to lower into a squat. Once your hips drop below your knees, drive through your feet to explode out of the bottom of the squat. As you rise to stand, press the barbell overhead and lock your arms out completely. Return the barbell to the front-rack position while simultaneously sitting your hips back into a squat to start the next repetition. By incorporating barbell thrusters into your workout routine, you will experience a demanding and effective full-body exercise that will make you work up a sweat.

The Key Thruster Benefits

By practicing barbell thrusters (or other variations) on the reg, you'll nab a few key health benefits.

Improves Strength In Posterior Chain

Works Your Core

The core muscles are an essential focus when performing the thruster exercise. While it may appear to primarily target the upper and lower body, it also effectively engages the transverse abdominis muscles responsible for stability and back support. The coordination and stability required to execute a proper thruster necessitate continuous engagement of the core throughout the movement. Any lapse in core activation could result in loss of control over the weight or disrupt momentum. By maintaining proper form and executing the movement correctly, the core receives a more effective workout compared to traditional abdominal exercises like crunches.

Challenges Your Cardiovascular System

Oh, and beyond strengthening your muscles, the thruster exercise can also lend to a cardio challenge. "Program the movement at high rep schemes or as part of a CrossFit metabolic conditioning workout or HIIT workout, and you'll really improve your cardiovascular capacity," says Wickham. Trust, you'll feel your heart racing and sweat dripping after just a few reps, whether you're doing a barbell thruster or using other equipment. (Did you know that there are three types of cardio?)

Thrusters Muscles Worked

Thrusters are an incredibly effective exercise that targets multiple muscle groups throughout your body. They provide significant benefits to both your lower and upper body muscles, making it a fantastic full-body workout. By performing thrusters, you engage and strengthen important muscle groups such as the glutes, hamstrings, quads, calves, shoulders, scapular stabilizers, lats, traps, triceps, biceps, and forearms. Additionally, this exercise also challenges your core muscles, further enhancing its overall effectiveness. Incorporating thrusters into your routine can yield impressive results in terms of strength and muscular development.

Thruster Exercise Variations

No matter the equipment you use, the thruster exercise always combines a front squat with an overhead press into one fluid motion. But, "different equipment changes the demand on the body from a strength, mobility, and stability standpoint ever so slightly," says Wickham. His recommendation is to incorporate all of the below thruster variations into your workout (if equipment allows). "Long term, the increased variability will leave you stronger and more mobile," he says.

Modification: Reduce Weight or Slow Down the Movement

Hate to disappoint you, but even the most seasoned athletes will tell you that thrusters are far from a walk in the park. In fact, if you ever find them easy, chances are you're not doing them correctly. Compound exercises like thrusters are inherently challenging due to their ability to engage multiple muscle groups and joints simultaneously. If you currently struggle with performing regular thrusters, fitness expert Wickham suggests breaking down the movement into its individual components: the squat and the press. By focusing on your weaker areas, you can gradually improve your overall thruster performance. For instance, if your difficulty lies in achieving proper depth during the squat portion, it would be prudent to master the air squat first. Once you can execute an air squat with good form and sufficient depth, you can progress to weighted variations such as goblet squats or barbell front squats. On the other hand, if your struggle stems from limited shoulder mobility and overhead strength, incorporating exercises like overhead presses and holds, alongside specific shoulder mobilization movements, can significantly enhance your capabilities. Furthermore, if you find it challenging to maintain a smooth rhythm throughout the movement, consider lowering the weight and adopting a slower pace. This modified approach involves pausing briefly at the top of the front squat before transitioning into the overhead press. By addressing these specific areas of weakness and implementing targeted exercises, you'll gradually build the necessary strength, flexibility, and technique to conquer thrusters effectively.

Variation: Dumbbell Thruster

Dumbbell Thruster Variation If you don't have access to a barbell, you can still perform the thruster exercise using two dumbbells. However, be prepared for a tougher challenge. The double dumbbell thruster requires more control and body awareness compared to its barbell counterpart. Unlike the barbell thruster, where both sides can compensate for each other, the double dumbbell version forces each side to work independently. To properly execute the dumbbell thruster, it's crucial to start with lighter weights. Follow these steps: 1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand next to your thighs, palms facing inward. 2. Brace your midline and hinge at the hips, lowering the dumbbells to mid-thigh. 3. Simultaneously straighten your legs and pull the dumbbells vertically up, rotating your elbows underneath to catch the dumbbells at shoulder height while in a quarter squat position. This is your starting position. 4. Keep your core tight, elbows high, and chest forward as you sit back and bend your knees to lower into a squat. 5. At the bottom of the squat, press your heels into the ground to straighten your legs while simultaneously pressing the dumbbells overhead. Complete a repetition when your legs are fully extended and the dumbbells are directly over your shoulders, with your biceps pressed against your ears. 6. Lower the dumbbells back to your shoulders while descending into a squat to start the next repetition. Remember, proper form and technique are essential to prevent injuries and maximize the effectiveness of the dumbbell thruster exercise. Start with lighter weights and gradually increase the load as your strength and control improve.

Variation: Kettlebell Thruster

Kettlebell thrusters and dumbbell thrusters may share similar mechanics, but there are some key differences to note. When performing kettlebell thrusters, it is important to pay extra attention to the setup and front-rack position due to the unique handle placement of the kettlebell. If you are new to this movement, it is recommended to start with dumbbells before progressing to kettlebells.

One crucial aspect of kettlebell thrusters is maintaining a tight front-rack position throughout the exercise. Failing to do so can put unnecessary strain on your lower back. To properly execute the movement, follow these steps:

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, gripping a kettlebell in each hand with your palms facing inward. Hinge at the hips, lowering the bells slightly, then perform a power clean to bring the kettlebells into the front-rack position.
2. Double-check your front-rack position: the handle of the kettlebell should align with the center of your palm, the ball of the kettlebell rests on the back of your forearm, and your arm should be close to your body. Keep your biceps tucked in next to your ribcage and ensure that your elbows are angled towards the floor.
3. Engage your core, maintain a neutral wrist position, and begin descending into a squat by sitting back and bending your knees. Press through your heels to rise back up while simultaneously pressing the kettlebells vertically overhead.
4. Lower the kettlebells back to the front-rack position as you drop into a squat, preparing to start the next repetition.

Variation: Single-Arm Thruster

Variation: Medicine Ball Thruster

Common Thrusters Mistakes

When executing a thruster, it is crucial to maintain proper squat form. This includes keeping your weight centered in your heels and avoiding pushing your knees past your toes. According to an article in the Strength and Conditioning Journal, it is important to be mindful of your lower back and core engagement, ensuring that there is no arching or hyperextension of the knees and elbows. Additionally, selecting the appropriate weight is essential for optimal results. According to Neal, loading the weight sufficiently heavy allows for the utilization of leg power to thrust the weight overhead, thus enhancing strength and power gains.

How to Add Thrusters to Your Routine

Remember: Before incorporating thrusters into your routine, it's important to have a solid foundation in regular squats and overhead presses. If you're experiencing any discomfort or have an existing injury, consult with your healthcare provider before proceeding. When you're ready to combine the two movements, start with lighter weights. Focus on mastering the form and aim for 15 to 20 reps without breaking form. Adjust the weight and repetitions based on your specific fitness goals. To build strength, warm up and gradually increase the weight. Perform 5 sets of 5 thrusters with proper form, taking 2 minutes of rest between sets. For endurance and cardiovascular improvement, try high-repetition thrusters like CrossFit WOD Fran or Kalsu. If your goal is overall fitness, aim for 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps with 90 seconds of rest in between. Regardless of how you incorporate thrusters into your routine, you'll see improvements in your fitness level. While they may not improve your dance moves, they will strengthen your legs and lungs, allowing you to enjoy a night of dancing with ease.