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Visual demonstration of the Barbell Overhead Shrug exercise

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Intermediate

Difficulty
Intermediate
Movement type
Strength
Primary muscles
Trapezius
Secondary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Exercise guide

Barbell Overhead Shrug

4 steps Updated 29/08/2026

Barbell Overhead Shrug is a free weights exercise targeting Trapezius (Upper Trapezius) using Barbell.

Step by step

How to perform it

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell overhead with both hands, using a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width. Keep your arms fully extended and your core engaged.
  2. Raise your shoulders towards your ears in a shrugging motion while keeping your arms extended and the barbell stable overhead.
  3. Hold the shrugged position briefly, squeezing your trapezius muscles.
  4. Lower your shoulders back to the starting position with control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
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Last updated: 29/08/2026

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Barbell Overhead Shrug

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