18/09/2022
How To Master The Power Clean With Trainer Tips For Proper Form
Hoisting a heavy barbell over your head with lightning speed and strength is seriously impressive. Nailing a power clean can be a little intimidating—but you don't have to be a CrossFit devotee or competitive powerlifter to ace the full-body move.
In fact, the power clean is quickly becoming a universal move in strength training. And once you know how to do it properly, it's totally badass.
Power cleans are a dynamic lift, which means they’re good at getting your heart rate up and burning fat as you build muscle. "The power clean is an explosive movement that demonstrates power, but also strength," says KAMPS Fitness trainer Ingrid S. Clay, CPT. "It’s one of those powerlifter moves I use in HIIT classes all the time to work the totality of the body. It’s a go-to strength and conditioning move."
And it's a move that delivers so much to your cross training. “If you want to jump higher and sprint faster, cleans will deliver,” says Judine St. Gerard, a trainer at Tone House in NYC. Plus, just perfecting the fluid motion required for a clean offers one serious confidence boost. “Once you have the basics down, you can add plates and build strength pretty quickly,” says St. Gerard. “It’s empowering.” Sound like fun? (Thought so.)
Convinced to finally try a power clean or perfect yours? Read on for all the trainer tips for proper form, how to add it to your workouts, and the many benefits you'll get when you do
How To Do A Basic Power Clean With Proper Form
Stand with feet about hip-width apart, barbell against shins.
Hinge forward at waist with a flat back, bending slightly to grab bar with an overhand grip. Hands should be right outside knees. Be sure your chest is up, core is tight, shoulders are back, and head is in a neutral position.
In one fluid motion, lift bar, pushing through feet, engaging glutes and thrusting hips forward; keep bar close to body as you pull it toward chest. Quickly flip wrists back, drop into a quarter-squat, and “catch” bar in front of shoulders, bringing elbows forward.
Stand with triceps parallel to floor; flip wrists down and lower bar, bracing core and hinging at waist to relieve pressure on back.