We’ve all heard the jokes about the Kettlebell or Barbell Clean, and it’s all very funny, but let’s look at something interesting about the name. Why is it called a Clean? Cleaning is something you do to keep things looking shiny and new, right?

Let’s start by defining two words:

cleanly

/ˈkliːnli/

without difficulty or impediment; smoothly and efficiently.

impediment

/ɪmˈpɛdɪm(ə)nt/

a hindrance or obstruction in doing something.

Next, lets look at my description of the Clean—more details can be found here.

A Clean is an explosive lower-body powered movement that smoothly and efficiently (hence the name ‘clean’) brings the weight from a lower position to racking position, whether you’re doing this with a barbell, kettlebell or sandbag, the principle remains the same.

Share with your fellow athletes.