Power Jerk: How-to, Tips & More

The Power Jerk is a advanced compound exercise for your shoulders. You do it with barbell. It is a good fit when your goal is strength.

Besides the shoulders, it also works your triceps, quads and glutes, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.

Muscles worked

Shoulders muscle

Shoulders

Primary

Triceps muscle

Triceps

Secondary

Quads muscle

Quads

Secondary

Glutes muscle

Glutes

Secondary

How to do the Power Jerk

  1. Hold the bar on your shoulders with your elbows slightly forward.
  2. Dip a few inches at the knees, keeping your torso upright.
  3. Drive up hard and push the bar overhead.
  4. Catch it with locked arms in a quarter squat, then stand tall.

Power Jerk tips

  • The legs move the bar. The arms just finish it.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 1 to 5 reps per set, and 1 to 5 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range.

Equipment

Barbell

Type

Compound

Power Jerk alternatives

More shoulders exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Power Jerk work?

The Power Jerk mainly works your shoulders, with help from your triceps, quads and glutes.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 1 to 5 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 1 to 5 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Power Jerk good for beginners?

It is rated advanced, so it is better to build a base with simpler movements first and add it when your technique is solid.

What equipment do I need for the Power Jerk?

You need barbell.

Power Jerk demonstration

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