Clean Meaning in Weightlifting

A clean is a fundamental lift where the athlete moves the bar to the shoulders. The lifter pulls the weight from the ground in one continuous explosive motion. They then drop their body into a squat to catch the bar. The barbell rests across the front of the shoulders at the end of the move. This lift requires a combination of speed and leg strength to be successful. It serves as the foundation for the more complex clean and jerk movement. A beginner practices the clean with a light bar to master the squatting motion. Rotating the wrists quickly allows the bar to sit safely on the chest.