Appears in642 Workouts*

Split Clean

Master the Split Clean! This exercise builds strength, power, and coordination. A challenging lift for advanced athletes.

The Split Clean is a compound exercise that mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the back and biceps. You'll need: barbell or weight plates.

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Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Split Clean Muscles Worked

Primary

Quads (quadriceps femoris); Glutes (gluteus maximus)

Secondary

Lats (latissimus dorsi); Biceps (biceps brachii)

How to do the Split Clean

  1. Start with the barbell on the ground. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, and crouch down to grip the bar just outside of your legs, with palms facing you or one facing forwards and the other facing backward. Keep your back flat and chest up.

  2. Begin by extending your legs to lift the bar off the ground, similar to a deadlift. As the bar passes your knees, forcefully extend your hips, knees, and ankles to generate upward momentum on the bar.

  3. As the barbell ascends, quickly drop under the bar into a split stance, with one foot stepping forward and one foot back to catch the bar on your shoulders. Your front knee should be bent, and your back knee should be straight. The split stance should be wide enough to maintain balance and support.

  4. The catch position involves your upper arms parallel to the floor, and the bar resting on the front of your shoulders (front rack position), with your elbows high.

  5. Stand up by bringing your feet back together (either stepping the front foot back or the back foot forward) while keeping the barbell on your shoulders.

  6. Return the barbell to the ground safely before attempting the next repetition.

Note: The Barbell Split Clean is a complex, explosive lift that requires proper technique and often guidance from a trained coach to perform safely and effectively. Make sure that you are comfortable with the basic clean and exercise good judgment before attempting this variant.

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Split Clean FAQs

What muscles does the Split Clean work?

The Split Clean mainly works the quads and glutes & hips, with help from the back and biceps. The main muscles are the quadriceps femoris and gluteus maximus.

What equipment do you need for the Split Clean?

Barbell or weight plates.

Is the Split Clean a compound exercise?

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

What are some Split Clean variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Barbell Hang Clean Below-Knee, Barbell Clean & Jerk, Barbell Clean & Press and Barbell Clean-Grip Front Squat.

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