Trapezius exercise

Barbell Shrug

How to do the Barbell Shrug with correct form — the muscles worked, equipment, and step-by-step technique from the Fitonist exercise library.

Stand tall, holding a bar in an overhand grip with your hands just outside your thighs. Lift your shoulders straight up, hold for one or two seconds in this elevated position, then lower them back to the start. Throughout the exercise, make sure you keep your shoulders back and…
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
Illustration showing the Barbell Shrug
Targets

Muscles worked

Trapezius muscle Trapezius Primary Shoulders muscle Shoulders Secondary Back muscle Back Secondary
Gear

Equipment

Barbell Barbell
Technique

How to do the Barbell Shrug

  1. 1 Stand tall, holding a bar in an overhand grip with your hands just outside your thighs.
  2. 2 Lift your shoulders straight up, hold for one or two seconds in this elevated position, then lower them back to the start.
  3. 3 Throughout the exercise, make sure you keep your shoulders back and your spine and elbows straight.