Cluster

The Cluster is a high-intensity compound lift that combines a barbell squat clean directly into a thruster. It targets the entire body, specifically the legs, core, and shoulders, to build explosive power and metabolic conditioning.

How Iridium Helps

The Cluster is a technically demanding, full-body movement where fatigue can quickly compromise form. The AI analyzes your recovery metrics (like HRV and sleep) and real-time performance data to adjust load and volume, ensuring you train explosively without risking injury. If your power output drops or RPE spikes mid-set, the app optimizes the remaining reps to maintain the correct stimulus.

Form Cues

Do
  • Explode from the floor using your hips
  • Catch the bar in a deep front squat
  • Keep elbows high in the front rack position
  • Drive out of the squat directly into the press
  • Lock arms fully overhead with core braced
Don't
  • Don't round your lower back during the pull
  • Don't pause at the top of the squat
  • Don't let elbows drop towards your knees
  • Don't press the bar forward away from your face

Common Mistakes

  • Separating the squat and press movements
  • Catching with low elbows
  • Rounding the spine during the clean
  • Pulling with arms instead of hips
  • Hyperextending the back overhead

Muscles Worked

This exercise is a total-body powerhouse that primarily builds explosive strength in the quadriceps and glutes during the deep squat phase. It also heavily recruits the anterior deltoids and triceps for the overhead lock-out, while the core and erector spinae work overtime to stabilize the spine under dynamic load.

Primary

QuadricepsAnterior DeltoidGlutes

Secondary

Triceps Lateral HeadGeneral CoreErector Spinae

Get Personalized Coaching for Cluster

Don't guess your way through weights or workouts. Download Iridium for automatic, AI-powered coaching that adapts to your recovery and goals.

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