Are cleans needed for bodybuilders?

[crazyquik]

If you're trying to gain muscle mass and stimulate hypertrophy, are dynamic movements (mainly, power cleans) neccesary? Will results 'show'? Or, at best, will the stress & gains on the hips and traps show up in other movements?

 

[markshark]

If you're trying to gain muscle mass and stimulate hypertrophy, are dynamic movements (mainly, power cleans) neccesary? Will results 'show'? Or, at best, will the stress & gains on the hips and traps show up in other movements?

they arent a necessity but you will get bigger and stronger with a movement like that than with smaller exercises.

 

[FunFun]

Power cleans are an olympic weightlifting movement. Performed correctly they are a very explosive power movement and rely on speed and form. Being technique driven, they don't develop size like the strength movements such as deadlifts and squats do.

I don't see any place for them in a bodybuilding program. I performed them religiously for many years and became very proficient at them. In hindsight I was wasting my energy on them.

At the end of the day there is only so much time and energy available to you in your pursuit of excellence. You have to decide if you're a powerlifter, olympic lifter or a bodybuilder and specialize to get maximum results.

Next time you have a chance to observe an olympic weight lifting competition, note that there are many very good competitors who are quite lean and non-muscular.

 

[SaiBoT]

From a pure bodybuilding perspective no they aren't necessary. Still if you enjoy them go ahead, they'll give you a strong base for your overhead press that's why I do them!

 

[Sub-Zero]

AAP posted a great trap routine that involved high rep cleans supersetted with shrugs for a pause at the top. for awsome traps they have a purpose.


also, powercleans are a fuckin difficult lift, like deads and squats. stress on the body and growth hormone excretion