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Olympic WeightliftingintermediateBarbell

Clean from Blocks

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

Clean from Blocks demonstration

Clean from Blocks, starting position
Clean from Blocks, starting position
Clean from Blocks, finishing position
Clean from Blocks, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1With a barbell on boxes or stands of the desired height, 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. 2Begin the first pull by driving through the heels, extending your knees. Your back angle should stay the same, and your arms should remain straight with the elbows pointed out.
  3. 3As full extension is achieved, transition into the receiving position by aggressively shrugging and flexing the arms with the elbows up and out. 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.
  4. 4Immediately recover by driving through the heels, keeping the torso upright and elbows up. Continue until you have risen to a standing position. Return the weight to the boxes for the next rep.

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
QuadricepsCalvesGlutesHamstringsShouldersTraps

Exercise Details

Category
Olympic Weightlifting
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Level
intermediate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Clean from Blocks work?

Clean from Blocks primarily targets the Quadriceps. It also works the Calves, Glutes, Hamstrings, Shoulders, Traps as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Clean from Blocks?

Clean from Blocks requires Barbell.

Is Clean from Blocks suitable for beginners?

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

Alternatives to Clean from Blocks

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