Do You Really Need to Power Clean?

In this episode of Beast Over Burden, part of the Rethinking the Big Lifts series, Niki Sims and Andrew Jackson ask a pressing question: do you really need to power clean? For many general lifters focused on health, longevity, and functional strength—not sport—this classic lift may not be the best tool. They dive into the risks, alternatives, and smarter programming choices that help you train explosiveness without overcomplicating your workouts or risking injury.

Do You Really Need to Power Clean? The Case for Reexamining It

Niki and Andrew start with the big question: do you really need to power clean if you’re not an Olympic athlete or competitive lifter? They explore why the clean became a staple in strength circles—and why its technical demands, steep learning curve, and injury potential make it less-than-ideal for most recreational lifters.

If your goal is to build long-term strength and resilience, this lift might be more stress than it’s worth.

Why the Clean Was Popular—and Whether That Still Makes Sense

The power clean was once praised as the ultimate expression of athleticism and hip drive. But in today’s training environment, many of its benefits can be replicated with simpler, more scalable movements. Andrew walks through several lower-skill options that better align with general training goals.

They ask again: do you really need to power clean, or has its time passed for most lifters?

There’s a Time and Place—But Not for Everyone

The clean isn’t bad—it’s just not universally necessary. Niki highlights when the power clean is still valuable: for young athletes, Olympic hopefuls, or those who genuinely enjoy it and have the capacity to train it well.

For the rest of us, it’s okay to leave it behind.

Explosive Alternatives That Actually Fit Your Goals

Niki and Andrew offer a toolbox of clean alternatives—like kettlebell swings, med ball throws, and resisted jumps—that help you build power without the complexity. These options are easier to learn, adjust, and recover from, making them more compatible with busy schedules and aging bodies.

They also stress that vertical jump or reactive power work is still important—just not dependent on a barbell.

Evolving Your Lifting as You Age

As you get older, your relationship with risk and reward changes. The best lifters adapt by choosing tools that serve their long-term goals. Niki and Andrew close the episode by reinforcing that a strong, explosive body doesn’t require power cleans—it requires intention, adaptation, and consistency.

Longevity isn’t about what you used to do—it’s about what you still can do, sustainably.