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Clean

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Clean.

MediumQuadricepsLower back

About this exercise

The clean is an explosive Olympic-style lift in which you pull a barbell from the floor and catch it on the front of your shoulders in one powerful movement. It develops full-body power, speed, and coordination, with the legs, hips, and back driving the lift.

How to Perform

  • Stand with the barbell over your mid-foot and your feet hip-width apart
  • Bend at the hips and knees to grip the bar just outside your legs with an overhand grip
  • Keep your back flat, chest up, and arms straight as you start the pull
  • Explosively extend your hips, knees, and ankles to drive the bar upward
  • Pull yourself under the bar and catch it on the front of your shoulders in a partial squat
  • Stand up tall to finish, then lower the bar under control to repeat

Muscle Activation

Primary
QuadricepsLower back
Secondary
CoreTrapezius

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Clean

The Clean is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.