Arnold Schwarzenegger says the ‘clean and press’ is the best exercise of all time; here’s how to do it

Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of the world’s top fitness icons. He set the standard for what muscle means to millions of people and, at 75, he continues to lift weights.

In a recent interview, Schwarzenegger said he believes it’s the best exercise ever for a weightlifter, but it might not work for beginners. He also reveals his least favorite exercise, which he finds more annoying than helpful. If he’s planning to build muscle and is focused on bodybuilding, keep reading to find out more of the weightlifting legend’s take.

Schwarzenegger told fitness magazine that “clean and press” is the best exercise. “If there’s one thing to do, it’s clean and press,” Schwarzenegger said. “It covers everything.”

His least favorite exercise of all time is doing abdominal twists. “They’re bad for your back and don’t relieve you topically,” he said. Abdominal twists, also known as upper body twists or seated twists, work your upper and lower abs.

A clean and press is usually done using a barbell. This is known as a dual action compound lift and consists of first “pulling” (clean) and then “pushing” (press).

For the clean part of the movement, move the barbell off the ground to the front rack position on your body and rest it on your collarbone. For the pressing part, push the bar up over your head and finally extend your arms and straighten your legs.

Schwarzenegger has previously said deadlifts are among the most effective exercises, along with cleans and presses. A deadlift is a lift performed from a standing position without the use of a bench or other equipment.

The Clean & Press is a full-body workout that works a wide range of muscles including the core, shoulders, glutes, hamstrings and arms. Not only does it build muscle, but it also improves cardio and muscle endurance.