In Exercise, What Is a Clean and Press?
The clean and press is a weight-training exercise that consists of two main movements: a clean and a press. A clean is where a weightlifter raises the weight off the floor to the shoulders; a press is then performed as the lifter pushes the weight over his or her head. The process is a fluid motion that requires both strength and speed. It uses several different muscles at once, including the deltoids, trapezius, back muscles, quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus, and triceps. Typically, a clean and press is performed with a barbell that has equal weight on either side. To prepare, the lifter stands with his or her feet shoulder-width apart and with the toes under the bar. He or she then grabs the bar with an overhand grip, moves into a squat position with the knees behind the toes, keeps the back flat, and extends the buttocks. Serious lower back injuries are often acquired while weight lifting and can be traced to improper form; therefore, it usually is important for a lifter to use the l