Atlas
Clean and Jerk: starting position Clean and Jerk: end position

Olympic Lifts · Shoulders

Clean and Jerk

A olympic lifts exercise that works the shoulders. Advanced level, using barbell & rack.

AdvancedBarbell & rackGym

Muscles worked

PrimaryShoulders
SecondaryAbs, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower back, Quads

Full body.

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

Setup and loading

Clean grip.

How to do the clean and jerk step by step

  1. Perform a full clean to your shoulders.
  2. Stand up and bend your knees slightly.
  3. Drive the bar overhead and drop under into a split.
  4. Bring your feet together with the bar locked out.

Form cues

  • Vertical dip
  • Lock out overhead

Common mistakes

  • Leaning your torso during the dip
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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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