Power Snatch from Blocks
Power Snatch from Blocks is an intermediate compound barbell olympic weightlifting that mainly works your quads, with help from your calves, forearms, glutes, hamstrings, lower back, shoulders, traps and triceps.


How to do the power snatch from blocks
- Begin with a loaded barbell on boxes or stands of the desired height. A wide grip should be taken on the bar. The feet should be directly below the hips, with the feet turned out as needed. Lower the hips, with the chest up and the head looking forward. The shoulders should be just in front of the bar, with the elbows pointed out. This will be the starting position.
- Begin the first pull by driving through the front of the heels, raising the bar from the boxes.
- Transition into the second pull by extending through the hips knees and ankles, driving the bar up as quickly as possible. The bar should be close to the body. At peak extension, shrug the shoulders and allow the elbows to flex to the side.
- As you move your feet into the receiving position, forcefully pull yourself below the bar as you elevate the bar overhead. The feet should move to just outside the hips, turned out as necessary. Receive the bar above a full squat and with the arms fully extended overhead.
- Keeping the bar aligned over the front of the heels, your head and chest up, drive through heels of the feet to move to a standing position. Carefully return the weight to the boxes.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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Start your free trialPower Snatch from Blocks alternatives
Exercises that train the same main muscle.
SnatchBarbell · Intermediate
Clean PullBarbell · Intermediate
Frankenstein SquatBarbell · Intermediate
Hang CleanBarbell · Intermediate
Olympic SquatBarbell · Intermediate
Snatch BalanceBarbell · IntermediateFAQ
What muscles does the power snatch from blocks work?
It mainly works your quads; your calves, forearms, glutes, hamstrings, lower back, shoulders, traps and triceps assist.
How many sets and reps of power snatch from blocks should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the power snatch from blocks good for beginners?
It suits lifters with some experience. Beginners can start with a lighter weight or one of the alternatives below.