Dumbbell Clean

Target muscle

Glutes

Also works

Hamstrings, quadriceps, calves

Equipment

Dumbbell

Body part

Upper legs

How to do the dumbbell clean

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with an overhand grip.
2. Bend your knees and lower your hips into a squat position, keeping your back straight and chest up.
3. Explosively extend your hips and knees, driving through your heels to jump off the ground.
4. As you jump, shrug your shoulders and pull the dumbbells up towards your shoulders, keeping them close to your body.
5. Catch the dumbbells at shoulder height, with your elbows pointing forward and your palms facing up.
6. Lower the dumbbells back down to the starting position by reversing the movement.
7. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Sets and reps

For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.

Muscles worked

The main muscle is the glutes. The hamstrings, quadriceps and calves work as secondary muscles. See all glute exercises or every dumbbell exercise.