Barbell Behind The Back Shrug
Expert Advice
Keep your head neutral and avoid rolling your shoulders to prevent unnecessary strain on your neck.
How-to-do Steps
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell behind your back with your hands just outside your hips.
- Lift your shoulders straight up towards your ears, squeezing your traps at the top.
- Lower the barbell back down with control.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
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Muscles Worked
Barbell Behind The Back Shrug primarily targets the Traps, with Strength mechanics using Barbell. Understanding muscle activation patterns helps you focus on proper engagement and maximize training effectiveness.
Primary

Traps100%
Equipment
Barbell

Exercise Type
Strength
Sets & Reps Guidance
Beginner3 x 10-12
Intermediate4 x 8-10
Advanced4 x 6-8
Frequently Asked Questions
What muscles does Barbell Behind The Back Shrug work?
Barbell Behind The Back Shrug primarily targets the Traps. It is classified as a Strength exercise performed with Barbell.
How many sets and reps should I do for Barbell Behind The Back Shrug?
For beginners, start with 3 sets of 10-12. Intermediate lifters can do 4 sets of 8-10. Advanced athletes can push to 4 sets of 6-8. Adjust based on your goals and recovery capacity.
Is Barbell Behind The Back Shrug suitable for beginners?
Barbell Behind The Back Shrug is rated as intermediate difficulty. Beginners may want to start with lighter loads or simpler variations and progress to this exercise as their strength and coordination improve.