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How to Do Barbell Shrug — Form, Muscles & Tips

Learn how to do the Barbell Shrug: step-by-step form, muscles worked, barbell setup, and common mistakes. Free workout tracker included.

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How to perform this exercise

  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.