Trap Bar Shrug

A barbell exercise for the trapezius.

  • Traps
  • Barbell

All exercises

Log it in Platesmith. The app shows last time's numbers on every set of Trap Bar Shrug, times your rest and tells you when to add weight. Free, with no ads.

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Muscles worked

MainTrapezius
AlsoForearm flexors

Setup

A trap bar lets the hands sit at the sides with a neutral grip.

How to do it well

  • Stand tall holding the trap bar
  • Shrug straight up toward the ears
  • Hold the top for a second, lower slowly

Common mistakes

  • Rolling the shoulders
  • Bending the elbows

Similar exercises

General guidance, not medical advice. Start lighter than you think, and check with a doctor first if you have a health condition or injury.