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Barbell Thruster

From a front-racked squat, drive up out of the bottom and use the momentum to press the bar overhead in one motion.

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Demo video from YouTube, played in its own player.

Muscles worked
Quads, Front delts, Glutes
Equipment
Barbell
Movement
Full body

Sets and reps

  • For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets.
  • For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9).
  • Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.

General ranges, not medical advice. Stop if anything hurts.

Variations

The same movement with other equipment or a different angle.

Alternatives

Other exercises for the quads, for when the barbell is taken or you want a change.

Questions

What muscles does the Barbell Thruster work?
The Barbell Thruster mainly works the quads, front delts and glutes.
What equipment do you need for the Barbell Thruster?
A barbell.
How many sets and reps of the Barbell Thruster?
For strength: 3 to 5 sets of 3 to 6 reps, resting 2 to 3 minutes between sets. For muscle: 3 to 4 sets of 6 to 12 reps (up to 15 on smaller lifts), resting 1 to 2 minutes, ending each set 1 to 3 reps short of failure (RPE 7 to 9). Add a rep or a small amount of weight once every set reaches the top of the range at the same effort.
What can I do instead of the Barbell Thruster?
ATG Split Squat, Backward Sled Drag, Band Squat and Belt Squat work the same main muscle.

Program it for your clients

Coaches add the Barbell Thruster to any workout in CoachVana, set the sets, reps, load and rest, and clients see this demo as they train.

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See your setup in four steps

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