Hey Guys!
I have been trying to think on what shall I write? And that’s when I thought to scan through pile of dust (brains) as too what is that thing that has recently struck me and made me think over it again and again. Well, I had recently participated in a CrossFit competition organised by TFL – The Fittest League, India. The event was just perfect, however, I had an injury during that event, which was given by none other than the great “Thrusters”.
Kettlebell Thrusters performed by Pradeep Kolekar coach @ 303 Crossfit Drive
And, that’s when I thought why not share the fundamentals of how to go about with the form & technique. Don’t worry it’s not as bad as it seems, the injury was purely because of my misjudgement, while, I left the bar from an overhead position. Yes, overhead position which made the bar land on my right leg scraping it… It’s almost recovering and gonna get back to training soon…
CrossFit is perfectly safe if you follow the right form and technique with proper guidance. I’ve tried to explain thrusters, how to perform one and benefits of thrusters in one’s routine.
What are thrusters?
Thrusters is a well-known compound exercise that’s part of CrossFit workout program. This is a combination of front squat and an overhead press.
Thrusters are considered as one of a kind as it’s a complete body workout that focuses on movements used in one’s routine life. It focuses on improving coordination, muscular endurance & balance. They help in building both upper & lower body as they focus on your quadriceps, glutes & shoulders. With time it also helps develop core strength.
How to perform a thruster?
It is important to perform the thruster with the proper technique & form. You can start by using only a barbell. The flow of movement should be quick and continuous; it shall not be broken in short or separate movements.
Steps:
Barbell Thrusters performed by Pradeep Kolekar coach @ 303 Crossfit Drive
Use an overhand grip to hold a barbell and stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Your hands should also be shoulder-width apart.
Draw your shoulders back and down. Keep your spine in alignment.
Keep a slight bend in your knees. Refrain from locking them.
Your feet should be under the bar.
Slowly bring the barbell up to your collarbones or above your shoulders.
Bring your elbows underneath or facing forward.
Engage your core and expand your chest as you slowly lower your body into a deep squat position.
Drop your glutes lower than parallel to the ground if you’re flexible enough, as though you’re sitting.
Engage your core and turn out your knees slightly for stability.
Press your heels and the outside of your feet into the floor and bring your elbows up as you quickly and powerfully explode to return to standing.
When your hips are nearly in alignment for standing, engage your glutes, press your heels into the floor, and extend the bar overhead.
Straighten your arms and extend your head forward so that your ears come in front of your biceps.
Bring your head back into line with your arms.
Slowly lower the bar to collarbone height and repeat the movement in a continuous motion.
You can also perform a thruster using a dumbbell, sandbag or kettlebell with the same technique.
Benefits of thrusters:
Since, thrusters is a compound exercise it uses more than one joint and is combination of front squat and overhead press.
Dumbells Thrusters performed by Pradeep Kolekar coach @ 303 Crossfit Drive
While performing a thruster your heart rate is at its peak resulting in cardiovascular fitness and performance. Also, helps with better metabolism and increase in your muscular endurance and strength.
Thrusters work the whole body. Muscles used include:
Glutes
Quadriceps
Hamstrings
Core muscles
Back muscles
Triceps
Shoulders