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Visual demonstration of the Barbell Shrugs exercise

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Beginner

Difficulty
Beginner
Movement type
Strength
Primary muscles
Trapezius
Equipment
Barbell
Exercise guide

Barbell Shrugs

4 steps Updated 29/08/2026

Barbell Shrugs is a free weights exercise targeting Upper Back (Trapezius) using Barbell.

Step by step

How to perform it

  1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an overhand grip (palms facing down), hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Let the barbell hang in front of your thighs.
  2. Lift your shoulders straight up towards your ears as high as you can, keeping your arms straight.
  3. Squeeze your upper back muscles (trapezius) at the top of the movement.
  4. Lower your shoulders back down 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 Shrugs

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