Barbell Thruster vs Plank Push Up
Which one fits your Core workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Plank Push Up more often — 311 sessions vs 38. Compare Core form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Thruster and Plank Push Up and pick the one that fits your Core workout.
Barbell Thruster vs Plank Push Up: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Plank Push Up more often — 311 sessions compared to 38 for Barbell Thruster.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Thruster and Plank Push Up differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Thruster and Plank Push Up Differ
| What differs | Barbell Thruster | Plank Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | front delts, quads, and triceps | abs, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a barbell | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 38 sessions | 311 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Thruster
Barbell Thruster Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Push your hips back and do a deep squat.
- 2. Stand up and press the barbell overhead in one motion.
- 3. Lower the barbell back to your shoulders and continue to the next squat.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Engage your core to keep your back straight.
- 2. Make sure your knees don't go past your toes, and avoid excessive weight.
For a full Barbell Thruster guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Thruster exercise guide.
How to Do Plank Push Up
Plank Push Up Muscles Worked: Core
Form
- 1. Take the push-up starting position with your arms wider than your shoulders and your feet about hip-width apart.
- 2. Bend one arm and touch the floor with your elbow, then do the same with the opposite arm.
- 3. When lowering your arms, engage your core tightly and maintain a straight line from your head, through your back, to your legs.
- 4. Push up one arm at a time and return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If your elbows touch the floor, you may experience pain, so I recommend placing a mat or something similar on the floor while exercising.
For a full Plank Push Up guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Plank Push Up exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Core, Barbell Thruster or Plank Push Up?
Planfit users log Plank Push Up more often — 311 sessions against 38 for Barbell Thruster. Both train Core, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Thruster and Plank Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Thruster loads front delts, quads, and triceps, and Plank Push Up loads abs, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Barbell Thruster and Plank Push Up need?
Barbell Thruster needs a barbell, and Plank Push Up needs bodyweight only.
Which is easier to start with?
Plank Push Up is the easier place to start. Move to Barbell Thruster once your form holds up.
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