Which of the following exercises helps assess flexibility for clean progressions?

The front squat is the correct choice for assessing flexibility relevant to clean progressions. This exercise requires a significant range of motion in the hips, knees, and ankles, which are critical for achieving a proper clean position. When executing a front squat, lifters must maintain an upright torso while squatting deeply, which demands flexibility in the hip flexors, quadriceps, and thoracic spine.

This flexibility is directly applicable to the clean, as lifters must demonstrate similar positions in terms of hip and knee depth, along with torso angle, when receiving the barbell. The front squat not only assesses flexibility but also helps to develop the strength and technique needed to effectively perform a clean.

In contrast, the bench press, deadlift, and military press primarily focus on upper body strength and do not provide the same insights into the flexibility required for successful clean execution. The bench press targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps; the deadlift focuses on posterior chain strength (hamstrings, glutes, back) without the same emphasis on the flexibility needed for front rack positioning; and the military press emphasizes shoulder strength but does not engage the lower body or the flexibility required in the clean. Thus, the front squat stands out as the most relevant exercise to