The thruster exercise is a combination of weight-training, front squats and the overhead press. These moves combined build core strength and power from head to toe. This exercise can be done with heavier weights and lower repetitions or with lighter weights and higher repetitions. The thruster utilizes equipment such as kettle bells, dumbbells, barbells, sandbags or a medicine ball—user’s choice. Any heavy object will suffice. In this article, the barbell will be used as an example.
In order to perform the thruster, stand with the feet flat on the ground at shoulder width, then in military press position, tightly grip the barbell with the hands at shoulder width and lift the barbell. Keep the head and chest high and push the hips backward, forming a below-parallel squat formation. Push hard to get back to the starting position and press the barbell over the head simultaneously. Finish the repetition in a standing position with your barbell over and behind your head. To continue the repetition, lower the barbell and descend into another squat.
This move is a good training exercise for those who want to excel in sports because all of the body’s muscles are exercised and stretched.
The thruster workout primarily targets the hamstrings (the muscles at the back of the thigh), quadriceps (the core muscles in front of the thigh), glutes (muscles that cover the whole buttocks) and erector spinae (the muscles in the lower back). The shoulder muscles and triceps are also targeted in this workout.
This workout engages the muscles creating more flexibility, more tone, more stability and more balance. Having your major muscles work in synergy helps them function together.
For beginners, if you are going to go with the lightweight and high repetition setup, proceed with 10 to 15 repetitions in a set. If you prefer the heavy weight and low repetition setup, then complete five to 10 repetitions in a set. If you are advanced and choosing the lightweight and high repetition setup, a set of 15 to 20 repetitions is sufficient. But if want to carry on with the heavy weight and low repetition sets, then continue with 10 to 15 repetitions per set.
Here is an Instagram video that demonstrates the thruster movement.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BIVMWGlBUGe/
https://www.amazon.com/Empower-Adjustable-Kettlebell-comfort-adjustable/dp/B009HQNYII
If you prefer to use the kettle bells in your thruster, this product works great and has an adjustable weight for customization.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00ANWE4A2
The medicine ball can be utilized in executing the thruster, too. It is filled with sand to make it heavy.
https://www.amazon.com/F2C-Adjustable-Barbell-Portable-Dumbbell/dp/B018XDH17K
This product has an initial weight of 40 lbs and can hold up to the maximum 390 lbs. The package includes a sturdy steel stand.
https://www.amazon.com/Fitness-Republic-Neoprene-Dumbbell-Pairs/dp/B015OJ51AA
This product is a set of dumbbells with a wide range of weights, from two to 20 lbs.
Below are some exercises that can be executed together with the thruster exercise:
Here is a list of food that you can add to your menu before your workout.
After your workout, you need to replenish your body. Choose from the following foods:
Here is a YouTube video that provides instruction on the thruster exercise.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzOxPj966hQ
During this exercise, your heart rate will increase, resulting in improved cardiovascular performance. The setup of high repetition and lightweight thrusters improves cardiovascular fitness, while the low repetition and heavy weight setup develops more muscular power and strength. If you have performed thruster with an object of unstable weight, you will see an improvement in core strength and balance.
