Appears in642 Workouts*

Barbell Overhead Shrug

Strengthen your traps & improve shoulder stability with the barbell overhead shrug! A challenging variation for serious lifters.

The Barbell Overhead Shrug is a compound exercise that mainly works the traps. You'll need: barbell or weight plates.

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Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell
Weight Plates
Weight Plates

Barbell Overhead Shrug Muscles Worked

Primary

Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)

Secondary

Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)

How to do the Barbell Overhead Shrug

Begin by positioning your feet shoulder-width apart, maintaining a strong, stable stance.

Load a barbell with the appropriate weight and use a snatch grip (wide grip) to hold the bar.

Carefully clean the barbell to your shoulders or use a safe method to get the barbell overhead, such as a squat rack.

From the starting position, with arms fully extended, press the barbell overhead until your arms are straight but not locked out.

Contract your core and glutes to maintain a stable and straight torso.

Keeping your arms extended, elevate your shoulders to raise the barbell slightly as if trying to touch your ears with your shoulders.

Hold the contracted position for a moment, then slowly lower your shoulders back to the starting position while maintaining control of the bar.

Repeat the shrugging motion for the desired number of repetitions.

Ensure you use a weight that is manageable for the overhead position and does not compromise your form.

Keep your neck in a neutral position throughout the exercise to avoid strain.

Avoid bending your elbows during the shrug to ensure the primary focus remains on the trapezius muscles.

If you are new to the exercise, consider starting with a lighter weight to perfect the movement pattern before increasing the load.

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Barbell Overhead Shrug FAQs

What muscles does the Barbell Overhead Shrug work?

The Barbell Overhead Shrug mainly works the traps. The main muscles are the trapezius.

What equipment do you need for the Barbell Overhead Shrug?

Barbell or weight plates.

Is the Barbell Overhead Shrug a compound exercise?

Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.

What workout day should the Barbell Overhead Shrug go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Barbell Overhead Shrug variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Band Shrug, Barbell Behind-Back Shrug, Barbell Decline Shrug and Barbell Seated Shrug.

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