Breathing
Exhale as the target muscle shortens against resistance and inhale during the controlled return. Keep breathing steadily throughout the set.
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The Barbell Shrug Behind The Back primarily works the traps, with the forearms and middle back supporting the movement. It is a strength movement performed with barbell.

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Movement instructions
Stand up straight with your feet at shoulder width as you hold a barbell with both hands behind your back using a pronated grip (palms facing back). Tip: Your hands should be a little wider than shoulder width apart. You can use wrist wraps for this exercise for better grip. This will be your starting position.
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. The arms should remain stretched out at all times.
Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Technique guidance
Exhale as the target muscle shortens against resistance and inhale during the controlled return. Keep breathing steadily throughout the set.
General guidance based on the exercise and equipment. It is not personal coaching or medical advice.
Your progress
Keep the same barbell setup, range of motion and recording method when comparing Barbell Shrug Behind The Back sessions.
Weight, repetitions and completed sets.
Example: 3 sets of 8 reps at 30 kg. Next time, record the actual result, even if it is the same.
Look for more repetitions at the same weight, or a heavier weight for comparable repetitions. Total weight lifted also changes when you add sets, so it is not a strength score.
Read the tracking guideThe examples show how to keep a record. They are not workout targets or a personalised training plan.
See how Jijibisha tracks your progressMuscles
Muscle guide
Traps is the primary muscle group. The lighter highlights show the supporting muscles involved in the movement.
Swap it
Different equipment, same muscle
These movements also target the traps using something else.
Related
Related movements
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