Appears in642 Workouts*

Split Jerk

Explosively drive weight overhead! A full-body movement for power & coordination. Master the Split Jerk & elevate your strength.

The Split Jerk is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and chest, with help from the back and triceps. You'll need: barbell or weight plates.

Mr. Grey
JustGains_XY
@JustGains_XY

Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Split Jerk Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head)

Secondary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Triceps (triceps brachii)

How to do the Split Jerk

  1. Begin by standing with your feet roughly hip-width apart. The barbell should be racked just in front of your shoulders with your hands gripping the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width. Elbows should be positioned forward, under the bar.

  2. Take a deep breath and tighten your core. Push your hips slightly backward and dip down into a shallow squat. Keep your torso as upright as possible during this movement.

  3. Explosively drive upwards through your heels to accelerate the barbell overhead. As you push the bar up, extend your arms fully. Use the momentum generated by your lower body to assist in driving the bar into the overhead position.

  4. As the bar ascends, continue pressing with your arms and lock your elbows out as the bar reaches the top. Slightly retract your head to allow the bar to pass by your face.

  5. Complete the lift by standing tall and holding the barbell overhead for a brief moment to maintain control, making sure that your arms, hips, and legs are fully extended.

  6. Carefully lower the barbell back to the starting position in front of your shoulders or drop it safely to the ground if bumper plates are available and you're in an appropriate setting for dropping weights.

  7. Reset and prepare for the next repetition. Make sure to prioritize form and control over the amount of weight lifted, especially since this is a complex and technical lift.

Remember to practice the power jerk with a light weight first to master the technique before progressing to heavier loads, and ensure you're in a safe environment for overhead lifting. It's advisable to seek instruction from a certified trainer if you're new to Olympic lifts.

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Split Jerk FAQs

What muscles does the Split Jerk work?

The Split Jerk mainly works the quads and chest, with help from the back and triceps. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and pectoralis major.

What equipment do you need for the Split Jerk?

Barbell or weight plates.

Is the Split Jerk a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Split Jerk go on?

It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Split Jerk variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Behind-Back Push-Press, Barbell Clean & Jerk, Barbell Clean & Press and Barbell Power-Clean.

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