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Clean Pull

Quadriceps Forearms Glutes Hamstrings Lower Back Traps Intermediate Olympic Weightlifting Barbell
Clean Pull Clean Pull
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Intermediate
Force
Pull
Mechanic
Compound
Instructions
  1. With a barbell on the floor close to the shins, take an overhand or hook grip just outside the legs. Lower your hips with the weight focused on the heels, back straight, head facing forward, chest up, with your shoulders just in front of the bar. This will be your starting position.
  2. Begin the first pull by driving through the heels, extending your knees. Your back angle should stay the same, and your arms should remain straight and elbows out. Move the weight with control as you continue to above the knees.
  3. Next comes the second pull, the main source of acceleration for the clean. As the bar approaches the mid-thigh position, begin extending through the hips. In a jumping motion, accelerate by extending the hips, knees, and ankles, using speed to move the bar upward. There should be no need to actively pull through the arms to accelerate the weight; at the end of the second pull, the body should be fully extended, leaning slightly back, with the arms still extended. Full extension should be violent and abrupt, and ensure that you do not prolong the extension for longer than necessary.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Clean Pull work?

Clean Pull primarily targets the Quadriceps. It also engages the Forearms, Glutes, Hamstrings, Lower Back, Traps as secondary muscles. This makes it an effective olympic weightlifting exercise for building quadriceps development.

What equipment do I need for the Clean Pull?

You will need a barbell to perform the Clean Pull. Make sure the equipment is set up properly and at the appropriate weight before starting.

Is the Clean Pull suitable for beginners?

The Clean Pull is an intermediate exercise. You should have a solid foundation of basic olympic weightlifting movements before attempting it. If you're new to training, start with simpler variations and progress to this exercise as your form and strength improve.

Is the Clean Pull a compound or isolation exercise?

The Clean Pull is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple joints and muscle groups simultaneously. Compound movements are efficient for building overall olympic weightlifting and are typically performed earlier in a workout when you have the most energy.

How many sets and reps should I do for the Clean Pull?

Start with 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps. Adjust the weight so the last 2-3 reps of each set are challenging but achievable with good form. Rest 60-90 seconds between sets.

What are good alternatives to the Clean Pull?

Good alternatives include the All Fours Quad Stretch, Alternate Leg Diagonal Bound, Backward Drag. These exercises target similar muscle groups (Quadriceps) and can be substituted based on available equipment or training preference.

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