---
title: "Barbell Overhead Shrug"
description: "Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell overhead with both hands, using a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width."
locale: en
slug: barbell-overhead-shrug
url: "https://hi.fitness/exercises/barbell-overhead-shrug"
primaryMuscle: "Upper back"
secondaryMuscles: ["Front delts"]
equipment: ["Barbell"]
category: "Strength"
format: "Reps · Weight"
video: "https://hi.fitness/exercise-media/public/video/fd7339ac-barbell-overhead-shrug.mp4"
updatedAt: 2026-10-20T13:27:26+00:00
---
# Barbell Overhead Shrug

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell overhead with both hands, using a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width.

## How to do it

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell overhead with both hands, using a grip slightly wider than shoulder-width. Keep your arms fully extended and your core engaged.
2. Raise your shoulders towards your ears in a shrugging motion while keeping your arms extended and the barbell stable overhead.
3. Hold the shrugged position briefly, squeezing your trapezius muscles.
4. Lower your shoulders back to the starting position with control. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

## Form tips

- Keep your arms fully extended and your shoulders engaged to maintain control of the barbell.
- Focus on the upward shrugging motion to maximize trapezius activation.
- Use a weight that allows for proper form and control throughout the exercise to prevent strain or injury.

## Similar exercises

- [Dumbbell Incline Shrug](https://hi.fitness/exercises/dumbbell-incline-shrug) - Upper back · Dumbbell
- [Dumbbell Decline Shrug](https://hi.fitness/exercises/dumbbell-decline-shrug) - Upper back · Dumbbell
- [Dumbbell Shrugs](https://hi.fitness/exercises/dumbbell-shrugs) - Upper back · Dumbbell
- [Dumbbell Rear Full Shrugs](https://hi.fitness/exercises/dumbbell-rear-full-shrugs) - Upper back · Dumbbell
- [Around the World Superman Hold](https://hi.fitness/exercises/around-the-world-superman-hold) - Upper back · Bodyweight
- [Trap Bar Shrug](https://hi.fitness/exercises/trap-bar-shrug) - Upper back · Trap bar
- [Barbell Wide Shrug](https://hi.fitness/exercises/barbell-wide-shrug) - Upper back · Barbell
- [Barbell Back Wide Shrug](https://hi.fitness/exercises/barbell-back-wide-shrug) - Upper back · Barbell