Squat Thrusts

A burpee without the jump and the push up. All the heart rate, none of the pounding on your joints.

Level Beginner
Equipment None
Sets and reps 3 sets x 30 sec
Works on Whole body

How to do it

  1. Stand with feet shoulder width apart.
  2. Squat down and place both hands on the floor in front of you.
  3. Jump or step both feet back into a plank position.
  4. Bring the feet back in and stand up. That is one rep.

Common mistakes

  • × Letting the hips shoot up when the feet go back.
  • × Landing the feet too far behind the hands.
  • × Rounding the back on the way down - bend the knees instead.
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One thing that matters

Step the feet back instead of jumping and this becomes something almost anyone can do.

How much

Sets and reps for Squat Thrusts

Where you are Aim for
Just starting 3 sets x 20 sec
The standard 3 sets x 30 sec
Once it is easy 3 sets x 45 sec
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Breathing

In as you go down, out as you come back up. One clear breath per rep.

Too hard, or too easy?

Where this sits

You are here Squat Thrusts 3 sets x 30 sec

Beginner · None

Harder → Burpees 3 sets x 8-15

Move up when squat thrusts stops being a challenge.

Questions

Squat Thrusts, answered

What is the difference between a squat thrust and a burpee?

A burpee adds a push-up at the bottom and a jump at the top. A squat thrust is the middle part only, which makes it the sensible step towards burpees.

Can I step instead of jumping my feet back?

Yes, and it is the standard beginner version. Step one foot back, then the other, and reverse it. Same pattern, no impact.

How fast should these be?

Fast enough to raise your breathing, slow enough that your back stays flat when your hands hit the floor.

One exercise is never the whole story

Which day to do Squat Thrusts, how many sets, and what to pair it with - the AI builds the whole plan. Your first one is free.

Build My Free Plan
Full Body

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This is general information, not medical advice

Everything on this page is worked out from a formula or from published averages. It has never met you, and it cannot see your blood pressure, your medication or an old injury.

Talk to a doctor before you start if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a heart condition, diabetes or high blood pressure, take regular medication, have or have had an eating disorder, are recovering from injury or surgery, or are under 18. Stop and get advice if any exercise causes pain, dizziness or chest discomfort.

More about where these numbers come from is on the about page.