Clean and Jerk Meaning in Weightlifting

The clean and jerk represents the second of two lifts in a weightlifting meet. This movement consists of two distinct phases to get the bar overhead. First the lifter pulls the bar from the floor to their shoulders quickly. This initial part is the clean phase where the athlete catches the bar. Next the athlete drives the bar from the shoulders to a locked position. This second part is the jerk phase where they finish with straight arms. A lifter performs this move to reach their highest possible total in a contest. Maintaining a strong grip during the transition ensures the bar does not fall.