Dumbbell Single Arm Power Clean and Jerk - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Single Arm Power Clean and Jerk

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Single Arm Power Clean and Jerk.

HardTricepsGlutes

About this exercise

An advanced weightlifting movement performed with a single dumbbell, combining a power clean to rack the weight at shoulder level followed by a jerk to drive it overhead. It develops explosive full-body power, coordination, and total-body strength in one fluid sequence.

How to Perform

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and a dumbbell on the floor between your feet
  • Hinge at the hips and grip the dumbbell with one hand using a neutral grip
  • Drive through the floor explosively, extending your hips and knees to pull the dumbbell upward
  • As the dumbbell rises, pull your elbow high and catch it at shoulder height in a front rack position
  • Dip slightly at the knees, then drive the dumbbell overhead in one explosive push
  • Lock out your arm fully overhead, ensuring your core is braced and your body is stable
  • Lower the dumbbell back to your shoulder, then to the starting position under control
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching arms

Muscle Activation

Primary
TricepsGlutesQuadricepsHamstringsFront shouldersTrapezius
Secondary
BicepsCalvesCoreSide shouldersInner forearmLower back

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Single Arm Power Clean and Jerk

The Dumbbell Single Arm Power Clean and Jerk 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.