Split Jerk
The Split Jerk is an advanced Olympic weightlifting exercise where you explosively drive a barbell overhead while simultaneously jumping into a split lunge position. It primarily targets the shoulders, triceps, and legs, building immense total-body power, coordination, and stability.
Because the Split Jerk requires maximum central nervous system output, the AI analyzes your HRV and sleep data to determine if you are sufficiently recovered for high-intensity power training. By tracking RPE and performance trends, the app ensures you are moving the load explosively rather than grinding through fatigue, and can instantly recommend lower-skill regressions like the Push Press if your recovery status or joint comfort is compromised.
Form Cues
- Keep your torso completely vertical during the dip
- Drive the bar up explosively with your legs before pressing
- Split your feet fast, landing with the front foot flat and back heel up
- Lock your elbows aggressively as your feet hit the floor
- Ensure your front shin is vertical and back knee is bent
- Don't let your chest lean forward during the dip
- Don't press with your arms before your hips fully extend
- Don't land with a straight, locked back leg
- Don't place your feet in a narrow line like you are on a tightrope
- Don't catch the bar with soft or bent elbows
Common Mistakes
- Dipping the torso forward
- Pressing early with the arms
- Landing with a straight back leg
- Stance too narrow (tightrope)
- Short-stepping the front foot
Muscles Worked
The quadriceps and glutes generate the initial explosive force to launch the barbell upward from the shoulders. The anterior deltoids and triceps then rapidly contract to catch and lock the weight overhead, while the core works intensely to stabilize the body in the challenging split stance.
Primary
Secondary
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