- Stand up straight with your feet at shoulder width as you hold a barbell with both hands in front of you using a pronated grip (palms facing the thighs). Tip: Your hands should be a little wider than shoulder width apart. You can use wrist wraps for this exercise for a better grip. This will be your starting position.
- Raise your shoulders up as far as you can go as you breathe out and hold the contraction for a second. Tip: Refrain from trying to lift the barbell by using your biceps.
- Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Variations: You can also rotate your shoulders as you go up, going in a semicircular motion from front to rear. However this version is not good for people with shoulder problems. In addition, this exercise can be performed with the barbell behind the back, with dumbbells by the side, a smith machine or with a shrug machine.
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Jun 15, 2013 10:00 AM: Good
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Jun 5, 2013 5:15 AM: I prefer Dumbbell shrubs- as you have a greater range of motion and can move your shoulders more- but I do these for variety as well. There are not many exercises which target the traps anyway
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Review: Barbell Shrug
May 17, 2013 4:38 PM: Best Exercise for Traps
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Tip: Barbell Shrug
Jan 9, 2013 9:52 AM: I've been doing shrugs with a trap barbell for a few months now, is it any better than using an ordinary barbell?
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Tip: Barbell Shrug
Sep 19, 2012 10:07 AM: im just using plates at the mo but i have got a good variety at my gym.peace
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Tip: Barbell Shrug
Sep 5, 2012 10:34 PM: .
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Jul 5, 2012 2:06 PM: im 16 n my doctor said my right shoulder is slouching from working out. is this due to shrugs? If not then what is it due to.
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Jun 17, 2012 3:01 PM: Excellent!
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Jun 17, 2012 1:17 PM: 10/10
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Review: Barbell Shrug
May 26, 2012 2:28 PM: Trap bar shrugs is my #1. This is my #2.