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Olympic WeightliftingintermediateBarbell

Snatch

Primary
Quadriceps
Secondary
Biceps, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back, Shoulders, Traps, Triceps
Equipment
Barbell
Level
intermediate

Snatch demonstration

Snatch, starting position
Snatch, starting position
Snatch, finishing position
Snatch, finishing position

How to Perform

  1. 1Place your feet at a shoulder width stance with the barbell resting right above the connection between the toes and the rest of the foot.
  2. 2With a palms facing down grip, bend at the knees and keeping the back flat grab the bar using a wider than shoulder width grip. Bring the hips down and make sure that your body drops as if you were going to sit on a chair. This will be your starting position.
  3. 3Start pushing the floor as if it were a moving platform with your feet and simultaneously start lifting the barbell keeping it close to your legs.
  4. 4As the bar reaches the middle of your thighs, push the floor with your legs and lift your body to a complete extension in an explosive motion.
  5. 5Lift your shoulders back in a shrugging movement as you bring the bar up while lifting your elbows out to the side and keeping them above the bar for as long as possible.
  6. 6Now in a very quick but powerful motion, you have to get your body under the barbell when it has reached a high enough point where it can be controlled and drop while locking your arms and holding the barbell overhead as you assume a squat position.
  7. 7Finalize the movement by rising up out of the squat position to finish the lift. At the end of the lift both feet should be on line and the arms fully extended holding the barbell overhead.

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
QuadricepsBicepsGlutesHamstringsLower BackShouldersTrapsTriceps

Exercise Details

Category
Olympic Weightlifting
Force
pull
Mechanic
compound
Level
intermediate

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Frequently Asked Questions

What muscles does Snatch work?

Snatch primarily targets the Quadriceps. It also works the Biceps, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back, Shoulders, Traps, Triceps as secondary muscles.

What equipment do I need for Snatch?

Snatch requires Barbell.

Is Snatch suitable for beginners?

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

Alternatives to Snatch

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