Barbell Behind Back Shrug

Beginner

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.

About Exercise

Equipment

Barbell

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Traps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms

Accessory Muscles

Shoulders

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

Yes

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Traps

10/10

Upper Traps

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Shoulders

2/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-120 seconds • Shorter rest for higher rep sets focusing on volume.

How to Perform

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.

  1. Shrug your shoulders straight up toward your ears as high as possible.
  2. Squeeze the top of your traps briefly at the peak contraction.
  3. Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position with control.
  4. Allow a full stretch at the bottom before beginning the next repetition.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Shrug straight up.
  • Squeeze the traps hard.
  • Keep arms straight.
  • Control the descent.
  • Chin slightly tucked.

Breathing

Inhale while lowering the weight (eccentric phase) and exhale forcefully as you shrug the shoulders up (concentric phase).

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Move the shoulders from a fully relaxed, depressed position to maximum elevation near the ears.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use light weights initially to establish proper form.
  • Avoid excessive shoulder rolling, which can stress the joint capsule.
  • Use a rack to safely load and unload the bar behind your back.

Spotting

Not required; use lighter weight or safeties if performing in a rack.

Common Mistakes

  • Rolling the shoulders forward or backward.
  • Bending the elbows to assist the lift.
  • Using momentum instead of controlled movement.
  • Failing to achieve a full stretch at the bottom.

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder pain
  • Severe wrist or elbow pain

Flexibility Needed

  • Good active scapular elevation range of motion

Build Up First

  • Competency maintaining a neutral spine while standing under load

Also known as

Behind The Back Shrug, Reverse Barbell Shrug

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