Which muscles are primarily engaged in the Clean?

The Clean exercise primarily targets the quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, and back muscles. This movement is a dynamic multi-joint exercise that involves lifting the barbell from the ground to a racked position on the shoulders.

During the initial pull from the ground, the quadriceps are heavily engaged to extend the knees, while the hamstrings and glutes contribute to hip extension. As the lifter progresses through the movement, the back muscles, particularly the erector spinae, are engaged to maintain a proper posture and support the spine during the lift. This combination of muscle groups allows for a powerful and effective lift, which is essential for performance in weightlifting.

Other muscle groups may be involved to a lesser extent; however, the primary focus during the Clean is indeed on this specific group of muscles.