The clean and press is a weight training exercise, and was part of the sport of weightlifting in the Olympics until 1972. It was removed from Olympic weightlifting due to difficulties in judging proper technique. A complete weight training workout can be performed with a pair of adjustable dumbbells and a set of weight disks (plates). ... Weightlifting is a sport where competitors attempt to lift heavy weights mounted on steel bars, the execution of which is a combination of power and technique. ... The Olympic Games, or Olympics, is an international multi-sport event taking place every four years and comprising summer and winter games. ...

The clean and press technique consists of the two main movements of which it is named. The athlete first lifts the bar to his shoulders from a crouched position during the clean, and then presses it above his or her head while keeping the back straight. The difficulty in judging originated in how straight the back and neck had to remain while the bar was being pressed. Many enthusiasts consider the Russian team the originators of the slightly-bent back technique during the press.

See also

• Weight training
• Powerlifting, a sport which combines the squat, deadlift and bench press.
• Bodybuilding, a related activity which focuses more on the visual aesthetics of a muscular physique.