Reviewed exercise · advanced

Barbell Overhead Shrug

A accessory isolation movement for back.

Equipment

barbell

Typical range

8–15 reps

Also trains

shoulders, core

Set up

Prepare the barbell overhead shrug station and choose a load that permits full control.

Execute

Hold a light bar overhead and elevate the shoulder blades without bending elbows

Complete the final repetition with the same controlled path, then return the load safely.

Coaching cues

• Reach tall through the bar
• Use a repeatable pain-free range.

Common mistakes

• Arching the low back or bending elbows
• Adding load after position or control is lost.

Modify or stop when relevant discomfort is reported. Educational content does not diagnose injury.