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Exercise guide
Barbell Shrug
An isolation movement for the upper trapezius.
What this exercise works
- Muscles
- trapezius · rhomboids
- Goals
- hypertrophy · strength
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Category
- Strength
- Difficulty
- beginner
Demonstration
Step 1
Step 2
How to perform the movement
- Stand holding a barbell at arm's length with an overhand grip.
- Shrug your shoulders straight up toward your ears.
- Hold briefly at the top.
- Lower your shoulders back down with control.
- Repeat.
Technique cues and common mistakes
- Avoid rolling the shoulders forward or backward at the top.
- Keep your arms relaxed and let the traps do the work.
- Keep your neck neutral instead of jutting the chin forward.