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Olympic WeightliftingintermediateBarbell

Power Clean from Blocks

Primary
Hamstrings
Secondary
Quadriceps
Equipment
Barbell
Level
intermediate

Power Clean from Blocks demonstration

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

How to Perform

  1. 1With a barbell on boxes of the desired height, take a 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. As the bar approaches the mid-thigh position, begin extending through the hips.
  3. 3In 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.
  4. 4As 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, pull yourself under the bar far enough that it can be racked onto the shoulders, rotating your elbows under the bar as you do so. The bar should be racked onto the protracted shoulders, lightly touching the throat with the hands relaxed.
  5. 5Immediately recover by driving through the heels, keeping the torso upright and elbows up. Continue until you have risen to a standing position, and complete the repetition by returning the weight to the boxes.

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
HamstringsQuadriceps

Exercise Details

Category
Olympic Weightlifting
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Level
intermediate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Power Clean from Blocks work?

Power Clean from Blocks primarily targets the Hamstrings. It also works the Quadriceps as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Power Clean from Blocks?

Power Clean from Blocks requires Barbell.

Is Power Clean from Blocks suitable for beginners?

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

Alternatives to Power Clean from Blocks

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