Exercise library
Back
Barbell Shrug
- Primary muscle
- Back
- Also works
- Shoulders, Forearms
- Equipment
- Barbell
- Movement pattern
- Horizontal pull
- Role in a program
- Accessory
How to do it
Hold a barbell in front of your thighs with an overhand grip and arms straight. Elevate your shoulders straight up toward your ears, pause at the top, then lower under control without rolling.
Video demo coming soon.
Similar & swap-friendly exercises
Missing the equipment, or does this one aggravate something today? These also train the back — pick a substitute that feels strong and pain-free. For an actual injury, get it assessed by a professional.
- Barbell Bent-Over RowBarbellHorizontal pull
- Landmine RowBarbellHorizontal pull
- Meadows RowBarbellHorizontal pull
- Pendlay RowBarbellHorizontal pull
- Rack PullBarbellHorizontal pull
- Reverse-Grip Barbell RowBarbellHorizontal pull
No-equipment alternatives
Training at home or on the road — bodyweight options for the back: