
Muscle Groups
Muscles
Target
Synergist
How to perform Barbell Thruster with proper form
Setup
- Barbell Position: Rest the barbell on your shoulders, similar to a front squat position. Use a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.
- Foot Position: Stand with your feet hip-width apart.
Execution
- Squat Down: Initiate the movement by bending your knees and lowering your hips back, keeping your chest up and core engaged.
- Move into Full Squat: Descend until your thighs are parallel to the ground or lower.
- Drive Up: Push through your heels to rise back up. As you stand, begin to press the barbell overhead.
- Overhead Press: Extend your arms fully at the top of the movement. Ensure your body is in a straight line from the bar to your feet.
- Lower the Bar: Reverse the motion by bringing the bar back to your shoulders while preparing for the next squat.
Tips for Proper Form
- Keep your elbows high throughout the movement.
- Maintain a neutral spine and avoid leaning forward excessively.
- Engage your core and brace your abdomen.
- Control the movement to avoid losing balance or form.
Common Mistakes
- Letting the bar drift away from the body.
- Rounding the back during the squat.
- Not using a full range of motion.
Breathing
- Inhale while squatting down.
- Exhale during the drive up and overhead press.
Exercises

Box Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Box Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Bulgarian Split Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Calf Press on Seated Leg Press, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Calves, Quadriceps
Synergist: Glutes, Hamstrings

Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Deadlift High Pull, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Pull
Target: Shoulders, Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Biceps, Forearms, Calves, Back

Front Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Front Squat, Cable
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Front Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Front Squat, Smith Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Front Squat, Kettlebell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Goblet Squat, Dumbbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Goblet Squat, Kettlebell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Hack Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Hack Squat, Smith Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Jump Squat, Barbell
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Jump Squat, Bodyweight
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Calves

Leg Extension, Band
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Quadriceps
Synergist: Glutes

Leg Extension, Leverage Machine
Type: Lower, Legs
Target: Quadriceps
Synergist: Glutes