Barbell Shrug

The Barbell Shrug is a beginner barbell exercise that works the Traps. Follow the steps below or watch the demonstration.

Target musclesTraps
EquipmentBarbell
LevelBeginner

How to do the Barbell Shrug

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
  4. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Recommended sets & reps

SetRepsRest
Set 112 reps30s rest
Set 210 reps30s rest
Set 38 reps30s rest
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Instructions adapted from wger.de under CC BY-SA 4.0. Compiled by FitBot Coach — not yet individually reviewed by a certified trainer.