Back to exercises
Olympic WeightliftingintermediateBarbell

Clean

Primary
Hamstrings
Secondary
Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Lower Back, Quadriceps, Shoulders, Traps
Equipment
Barbell
Level
intermediate

Clean demonstration

Clean, starting position
Clean, starting position
Clean, finishing position
Clean, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1With a barbell on the floor close to the shins, take an overhand (or hook) grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.
  2. 2
  3. 3Begin the first pull by driving through the heels, extending your knees. Your back angle should stay the same, and your arms should remain straight. Move the weight with control as you continue to above the knees.
  4. 4Next comes the second pull, the main source of acceleration for the clean. As the bar approaches the mid-thigh position, begin extending through the hips. In a jumping motion, accelerate by extending the hips, knees, and ankles, using speed to move the bar upward. There should be no need to actively pull through the arms to accelerate the weight; at the end of the second pull, the body should be fully extended, leaning slightly back, with the arms still extended.
  5. 5As full extension is achieved, transition into the third pull by aggressively shrugging and flexing the arms with the elbows up and out. At peak extension, aggressively pull yourself down, rotating your elbows under the bar as you do so. Receive the bar in a front squat position, the depth of which is dependent upon the height of the bar at the end of the third pull. The bar should be racked onto the protracted shoulders, lightly touching the throat with the hands relaxed. Continue to descend to the bottom squat position, which will help in the recovery.
  6. 6Immediately recover by driving through the heels, keeping the torso upright and elbows up. Continue until you have risen to a standing position.

Video Tutorial

Tips & Common Mistakes

  • •Focus on controlled movements rather than speed or momentum
  • •Maintain proper breathing - exhale during the exertion phase
  • •Start with lighter weight to master the form before progressing
  • •As a compound movement, this exercise works multiple muscle groups efficiently

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
HamstringsCalvesForearmsGlutesLower BackQuadricepsShouldersTraps

Exercise Details

Category
Olympic Weightlifting
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Level
intermediate

Want workout programs?

Get structured workout plans using this exercise and more.

Browse Programs

Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Clean work?

Clean primarily targets the Hamstrings. It also works the Calves, Forearms, Glutes, Lower Back, Quadriceps, Shoulders, Traps as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Clean?

Clean requires Barbell.

Is Clean suitable for beginners?

Clean is classified as intermediate level. Beginners should master foundational movements first.

Alternatives to Clean

Substitute any of these when the equipment is taken or unavailable. They train the same primary muscles.