Clean and Jerk
Learn how to do the Clean and Jerk with proper form, setup, and execution.
This barbell movement primarily targets full body.
How to Perform Clean and Jerk
- 1
Add the appropriate amount of weight and stand with the bar over your mid-foot, feet hip-width apart.
- 2
Hinge at the hips and grab the bar with an overhand grip, keeping your back flat and chest up.
- 3
Engage your abs and take a breath.
- 4
Explosively pull the bar upward by driving through your heels, then drop under it and catch it on your shoulders in a front squat position.
- 5
Stand tall from the catch position.
- 6
Dip slightly at the knees, then drive the bar overhead by extending your legs and pressing your arms up, splitting your feet to catch it locked out overhead and exhale.
- 7
Recover to standing, then lower the bar back to the floor and breathe in.
Training Guidelines
The targets below are general guidelines. Adjust volume and intensity based on your experience, recovery, and goals. If you track effort, aim for most working sets around RPE 7–9.
| Goal | Sets | Reps | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3-5 | 4-6 | 2-3 min |
| Muscle Growth | 3-4 | 8-12 | 60-90 sec |
| Endurance | 2-3 | 15-20 | 30-60 sec |
| Beginner | 2-3 | 10-15 | 60-90 sec |
Want to pair movements efficiently? Try grouping them as supersets.