Shoulders · Barbell

Split Jerk

Send the bar overhead by splitting your feet. The strongest way to jerk big.

Split Jerk exercise demonstration
ShouldersSecondary: Quads, Shoulders, Triceps, CoreBarbell

How to do it

  1. Hold the bar on your front delts, feet hip width.
  2. Dip straight down by bending your knees, torso tall.
  3. Drive explosively and split one foot forward, one back as you punch under.
  4. Lock the bar out overhead, then recover your feet together.

The one cue that matters

Punch yourself down into the split fast, the bar barely moves, you move under it.

Muscles worked

The Split Jerk is a Shoulders-first movement, with Quads, Shoulders, Triceps, Core working as the supporting cast. Track it consistently and you'll see exactly how it feeds your shoulders volume for the week.

FAQ

What muscles does the Split Jerk work?

The Split Jerk primarily works the Shoulders with Quads, Shoulders, Triceps, Core assisting.

How heavy should I go?

Pick a weight where you finish each set with 1 to 2 clean reps left in the tank. Own the top of your rep range before adding weight.

How many sets and reps of Split Jerk?

For most lifters 3 to 4 working sets. Pick the rep range that fits your goal and progress the load when the top of the range feels owned.

Related exercises

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