The thruster is a powerful compound exercise that is often included in CrossFit workouts and will likely arise during the 2023 Open. This exercise combines a front squat with a press, making it a great full-body workout that targets multiple muscle groups at once, but is also usually not a movement athletes look forward to. Below are some of the benefits of regularly performing thrusters outside of improving your open performance!

One of the key benefits of thrusters in CrossFit is that they mimic the movement patterns of many everyday activities, such as lifting a heavy object off the ground or lifting up your child. This makes them functional and effective for improving overall fitness and strength. The thruster is a compound movement that engages multiple muscle groups at once, including the quadriceps, glutes, shoulders, and triceps. By working multiple muscle groups at once, thrusters can help to improve overall muscle endurance and power, which is essential for activities of daily living as well as sports and other physical activities.

Another important benefit of thrusters in CrossFit is that they are a high-intensity exercise that can help to improve cardiovascular fitness and lead to a big calorie burn. The combination of the squat and press movements in thrusters requires a lot of energy and effort, which is partially what makes them so challenging. This makes thrusters an excellent choice for people who are looking to lose weight or improve their overall fitness levels.

Thrusters are also a versatile exercise that can be easily modified to suit different fitness levels. They can be done with a barbell, dumbbells, or even a kettlebells, making them accessible to a wide range of people. Additionally, the weight used can be adjusted to suit the individual’s fitness level, making thrusters a great choice for people of all fitness levels.

In conclusion, thrusters are an essential exercise for CrossFit training that aren’t going away. They are a functional and effective full-body exercise that targets multiple muscle groups at once. Additionally, they can help improve cardiovascular fitness, burn calories, and can be easily modified to suit different fitness levels.

So, next time you see a thruster in the WOD, don’t skip out and embrace the suck!