The blocks can be intimidating — even just to set up. They’re heavy and awkward, and then once you get them to the right height, what the heck do you do with them?

While there are a number of exercises you can rehearse with the help of blocks, split jerks should definitely be on your list.

Here are just a few reasons why:

Why You Should Try Split Jerks From the Blocks

1. You Can Focus Solely on the Jerk

Part of what makes a jerk so hard is that it traditionally comes after a clean, which fries your legs. Jerking out of the blocks allows you to really zero in on the jerk without having to clean it first.

2. It’s Good for Improving Your Footwork

Because you’re standing between the blocks, you’re almost forced to clean up your footwork, since you don’t have nearly as much wiggle room to stumble around.

3. The Blocks Are Great for Collecting Multiple Reps

While learning to bring a jerk back down on your shoulders to do another rep is a good skill to have, you won’t always want to use it — especially for the heavier weights. If you want to go for a jerk double, for instance, blocks are better than going out of the rack, since the latter forces you to catch that weight before attempting the second rep. This can cost precious energy and can also be a little dangerous.

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Main image: Mat Fraser/Instagram