A barbell shrug performed behind the body, targeting the upper Trapezius muscles for enhanced shoulder girdle stability and hypertrophy, often emphasizing a specific line of pull.
Barbell
2/5 • Beginner
Traps
Forearms
Shoulders
6
Yes
No
No
Small
Low
Upper Traps
Flexors
8-15 reps
60-120 seconds • Shorter rest for higher rep sets focusing on volume.
Stand tall, holding a barbell behind the back with an overhand grip, hands slightly wider than shoulder-width. Keep your core braced, chest up, and arms extended down.
Inhale while lowering the weight (eccentric phase) and exhale forcefully as you shrug the shoulders up (concentric phase).
2-1-1
Move the shoulders from a fully relaxed, depressed position to maximum elevation near the ears.
Not required; use lighter weight or safeties if performing in a rack.
Behind The Back Shrug, Reverse Barbell Shrug
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