Weightlifting

Hang Muscle Clean

What is Hang Muscle Clean?

The hang muscle clean starts at the thighs and finishes at the shoulders with no knee re-bend and no drop under the bar - the strictest possible version of the clean's upper half. With the floor pull gone and the catch forbidden, all that remains is hip snap, a vertical bar path and a fast, strong turnover. It's a technique-refinement and trap-building drill that also cycles smoothly in light conditioning work.

Hang Muscle Clean strength standards

Level (x Bodyweight)MenWomen
beginner0.32x0.2x
novice0.5x0.34x
intermediate0.7x0.5x
advanced0.95x0.7x
elite1.18x0.9x

1RM as a multiple of bodyweight.

Tips & Strategy

Hinge to mid-thigh with the lats holding the bar close, snap the hips, then shrug and spin the elbows without any second knee bend. The rack should arrive quietly - a crashing bar means the elbows are losing the race. Stay at 35-55% of your clean; the strictness is the point, and heavy sloppy reps teach the opposite lesson. Use 3-4 sets of 5 in warm-ups, or superset with front squats for a simple rack-position builder.

How to Progress

Progression: PVC, then empty bar. If the turnover is weak, elevate the start (blocks or higher hang) and shorten the distance until crisp reps come easily.

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