The burpee, or squat thrust, is a full body exercise used in strength training and as

an aerobic exercise. The basic movement is performed in four steps and known as a
"four-count burpee":[1]
1. Begin in a standing position.
2. Move into a squat position with your hands on the ground. (count 1)
3. Kick your feet back into a plank position, while keeping your arms extended.
(count 2)
4. Immediately return your feet into squat position. (count 3)
5. Stand up from the squat position (count 4)

The exercise was named in the 1930s for American physiologist Royal H. Burpee,
who developed the burpee test. He earned a Ph.D. in applied physiology from
Columbia University in 1940 and created the "burpee" exercise as part of his Ph.D.
thesis as a quick and simple way to assess fitness.[2] The exercise was popularized
when the United States Armed Services adopted it as a way to assess the fitness
level of recruits when the US entered World War II. Consisting of a series of the
exercises performed in rapid succession, the test was meant to be a quick measure
of agility, coordination, and strength.[3]