Barbell shrug
General guidance. This page has not been reviewed by a qualified professional yet.
Barbell shrug. Raise shoulders toward your ears and lower slowly.
How to do this exercise: Barbell shrugSetup · movement · load
- Set your position
Stand tall holding the weights close to your body, neck relaxed.
- Make the movement
Raise shoulders toward your ears and lower slowly.
- Breathe and control the pace
Breathe out during the harder part and in on the return. Control the return instead of dropping the weight. Two reps in reserve means you could do about two more clean repetitions.
Do not roll your shoulders or jerk your head.
Log the total load. For a barbell include the bar and all plates; check the bar weight.
For your first use, ask staff to show you the machine settings and safety release. Stop for sharp pain. This basic guide is awaiting professional review.
- Type
- Strength
- Difficulty
- Beginner
- Sides
- Both sides together
- How load is measured
- Total load
Main muscles
Trapezius
Supporting muscles
Forearms
Equipment
Load values are only comparable on the same exercise and equipment.
How to do it
- Stand tall holding the weights close to your body, neck relaxed.
- Raise shoulders toward your ears and lower slowly.
Common mistakes
- Do not roll your shoulders or jerk your head.
Safety notes
- Start with easy resistance and breathe continuously. Stop for sharp pain; ask gym staff to demonstrate unfamiliar equipment.