- 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
Aug 25, 2016 8:54 AM: love this exercise!!
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Dec 27, 2015 12:23 PM: Best traps workout
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Dec 3, 2015 4:09 AM: better off doing with a dumbbell as everytime I go to the gym I have a throbbing boner do the barbell gets in the way.. aghhh
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Jul 18, 2015 7:06 PM: Solid exercise for the traps.
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Jul 6, 2015 9:41 AM: This has always been the best upper traps exercise
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Mar 5, 2014 12:57 AM: I am trying new shoulder excercises and this will be perfect for me.Thanks just what I need.Thanksbb.com
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Tip: Barbell Shrug
Feb 14, 2014 7:03 AM: One of my favorites.
I recommend a very slow negative at this exercise.
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Review: Barbell Shrug
Jan 30, 2014 2:09 PM: I love shrugs!
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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