Atlas
Block Clean: starting position Block Clean: end position

Olympic Lifts · Quads

Block Clean

A olympic lifts exercise that works the quads. Intermediate level, using barbell & rack.

IntermediateBarbell & rackGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryQuads
SecondaryCalves (gastrocnemius & soleus), Glutes, Hamstrings, Shoulders, Traps & mid back

Quads, glutes, traps, and power.

Technical lift: the photos show the start and end positions. Learn the full bar path with a coach.

Setup and loading

Blocks at or above knee height.

How to do the block clean step by step

  1. Bar on blocks at the desired height, clean grip.
  2. Hips low, chest up, and shoulders in front of the bar.
  3. Extend explosively and catch the bar on your shoulders.

Form cues

  • Explode from a dead stop
  • Fast elbows

Common mistakes

  • Pulling with your arms
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Sets and reps for your goal

Power

4-6 x 2-5 · full rest

3-6 sets of 1-5 reps with light or moderate loads (30-60% of your max on the main lifts), or with a ball or your bodyweight. Rest 2 to 3 minutes.

Every rep at the highest possible speed. As soon as you notice it moving slower (a 10-20% velocity loss), end the set. Train power fresh, never fatigued.

Max Strength

4-5 x 3-6 · rest 2-3 min

3-6 sets of 1-6 reps at 80-90% of your max (1RM). Rest 2 to 5 minutes.

Leave 1-3 reps in reserve. If your technique breaks down, lower the weight: strength is built with good reps.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Olympic barbell and platesTo keep progressing on the big lifts with heavy loads.

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Variations and similar exercises

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