How to Do Barbell Shrugs

Barbell Shrugs is a shoulders exercise using barbell, listed as intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

Primary muscle

Shoulders

Equipment

Barbell

Difficulty

Intermediate

01 / Move with control

How to perform

How to do Barbell Shrugs

  1. 01Grip the barbell with an overhand grip just outside the thighs and stand with a tall posture.
  2. 02Retract the shoulder blades slightly to prevent the bar from pulling the upper back into a rounded position.
  3. 03Elevate the shoulders toward the ears in a vertical line, squeezing the traps at the peak of the contraction.
  4. 04Lower the barbell under load until the traps are fully stretched at the bottom.
  5. 05Maintain a neutral neck position by looking straight ahead throughout the entire set.

Same guidance shown inside the A90 app

02 / Anatomy

Muscles worked by Barbell Shrugs

Primary Stabiliser Inactive

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Primary movers

  • Front delts Raises the arm forward and overhead.
  • Rear delts Pulls the arm back and stabilises the shoulder.

Stabilisers

  • Core Stabilises the spine and transfers force.
  • Lower back Stabilises the spine during lifts and bends.
  • Forearms Grips and stabilises the wrist under load.

03 / A90 Coach

A90 Coach tip

Avoid rolling the shoulders in a circular motion; focus on a strict vertical path to prevent unnecessary stress on the acromioclavicular joint.

Same coaching engine used inside the A90 app

05 / FAQ

Barbell Shrugs questions

What muscles does Barbell Shrugs work?

Barbell Shrugs is catalogued as a shoulders exercise in A90 Training Club, with the shoulders as its primary muscle group.

How do you do Barbell Shrugs correctly?

Grip the barbell with an overhand grip just outside the thighs and stand with a tall posture. Retract the shoulder blades slightly to prevent the bar from pulling the upper back into a rounded position. Elevate the shoulders toward the ears in a vertical line, squeezing the traps at the peak of the contraction. Lower the barbell under load until the traps are fully stretched at the bottom. Maintain a neutral neck position by looking straight ahead throughout the entire set.

What is the A90 coach tip for Barbell Shrugs?

Avoid rolling the shoulders in a circular motion; focus on a strict vertical path to prevent unnecessary stress on the acromioclavicular joint.

Is Barbell Shrugs suitable for beginners?

Barbell Shrugs is rated intermediate in the A90 Training Club catalogue.

What equipment do you need for Barbell Shrugs?

Barbell Shrugs uses barbell.

A90 Intelligence

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