Best Trapezius Workouts With Barbells For Men

About

Barbells are versatile and foundational pieces of equipment that enable effective strength training and hypertrophy development.

They play a key role in exercises targeting the trapezius, the muscle located in the upper back between the shoulders.

Implementing these exercises, tailored for an average male height of 5’10” and weight of 180 lbs, can contribute to notable progress while respecting individual differences.

By focusing on movements such as shrugs, designed to isolate the traps, the workout ensures optimal engagement for strength adaptation.

Adjust load and repetitions based on personal assessment to maximize effectiveness.

The 3 Best Trapezius Exercises with Barbells for Men

Ranked By

Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Upright Row

    SETS LOGGED
    1,999,854
    Trapezius Strength
    85 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Upright Row is an exercise that mainly strengthens your shoulder muscles, particularly the trapezius. Using a barbell helps you focus on the movement without worrying about balance, making it an effective way to build strength for activities like Olympic lifts.

    How to do it

    The Upright Row is an exercise that mainly strengthens your shoulder muscles, particularly the trapezius. Using a barbell helps you focus on the movement without worrying about balance, making it an effective way to build strength for activities like Olympic lifts.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 2. Barbell Shrug

    SETS LOGGED
    1,111,797
    Trapezius Strength
    100 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Barbell Shrug is an exercise that targets your trapezius muscles, located in your upper back. Using a barbell helps you maintain stability, allowing you to focus on lifting your shoulders effectively.

    How to do it

    The Barbell Shrug is an exercise that targets your trapezius muscles, located in your upper back. Using a barbell helps you maintain stability, allowing you to focus on lifting your shoulders effectively.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    80lbs
    2
    8reps
    80lbs
    3
    8reps
    80lbs
  • 3. Barbell Behind The Back Shrug

    SETS LOGGED
    117,301
    Trapezius Strength
    99 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells

    The Barbell Behind The Back Shrug is a targeted exercise for the trapezius muscles in your upper back. By holding the barbell behind you, it ensures your shoulders remain properly aligned during the movement.

    How to do it

    The Barbell Behind The Back Shrug is a targeted exercise for the trapezius muscles in your upper back. By holding the barbell behind you, it ensures your shoulders remain properly aligned during the movement.

    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    80lbs
    2
    8reps
    80lbs
    3
    8reps
    80lbs

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