squat thrust: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Medium-lowTechnical/Physical Education, Informal Fitness
Quick answer
What does “squat thrust” mean?
A calisthenics exercise consisting of starting in a standing position, dropping into a squat with hands on the floor, kicking the legs back into a push-up position, then returning to squat and standing.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A calisthenics exercise consisting of starting in a standing position, dropping into a squat with hands on the floor, kicking the legs back into a push-up position, then returning to squat and standing.
Also known as a 'burpee' in modern fitness contexts, though traditional burpees include a push-up and jump. Used in military training, school PE, and high-intensity workouts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both use the term, but 'burpee' is more common in US fitness contexts. In UK schools, 'squat thrust' is still widely recognized in PE curricula.
Connotations
UK: Associated with traditional school PE, sometimes viewed as punitive or old-fashioned. US: More strongly associated with military-style training and CrossFit (though usually called burpee).
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in UK institutional contexts (schools, military). In US, 'burpee' dominates in commercial fitness.
Grammar
How to Use “squat thrust” in a Sentence
do + NUM + squat thrustsperform + squat thrustscomplete + a set of squat thrustsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “squat thrust” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The PE teacher made us squat thrust across the gym hall.
- We'll squat thrust for thirty seconds then rest.
American English
- The drill sergeant ordered the recruits to squat thrust until exhausted.
- You should squat thrust properly to avoid injury.
adverb
British English
- (Rarely used as adverb) He moved squat-thrust-like across the floor.
American English
- (Rarely used as adverb) They exercised squat-thrust-style for five minutes.
adjective
British English
- The squat-thrust drill was exhausting.
- He recorded his squat-thrust count.
American English
- The squat-thrust sequence is part of the test.
- Her squat-thrust form was impeccable.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Only in sports science or physical education research papers.
Everyday
Used when discussing workouts, school memories, or military training.
Technical
Precise term in exercise physiology for the specific movement pattern.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “squat thrust”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “squat thrust”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “squat thrust”
- Calling it a 'squat press' (incorrect), confusing with 'thruster' (a weightlifting move), omitting the leg thrust phase.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A squat thrust is the core four-count movement (stand, squat, kick legs back to plank, return to squat, stand). A standard burpee adds a push-up when in the plank position and a jump at the end.
The 'thrust' refers to the forceful, rapid extension of the legs backwards from the squat position into the plank position.
They are excellent for building cardiovascular endurance, muscular endurance in the legs and core, and improving agility. However, proper form is crucial to avoid lower back strain.
It gained prominence as a calisthenics exercise in 20th-century military physical training and school PE programs. Its origins are often linked to Royal H. Burpee's 1939 PhD thesis, where he used a similar test for fitness.
A calisthenics exercise consisting of starting in a standing position, dropping into a squat with hands on the floor, kicking the legs back into a push-up position, then returning to squat and standing.
Squat thrust is usually technical/physical education, informal fitness in register.
Squat thrust: in British English it is pronounced /ˌskwɒt ˈθrʌst/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌskwɑːt ˈθrʌst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No direct idioms, but 'drop and give me [number]' (military command) often precedes squat thrusts/burpees.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SQUAT (down low) THRUST (legs thrust back sharply).
Conceptual Metaphor
EXERCISE IS PUNISHMENT (in punitive PT contexts); MOVEMENT IS A MACHINE (thrust implies mechanical action).
Practice
Quiz
What is the key difference between a classic 'squat thrust' and a standard 'burpee'?