Shrug Behind Back

Behind-the-back barbell shrugs strengthen and develop the upper and middle trapezius. Developing the upper and middle fibers of the trapezius complements the aesthetics of the upper and middle back as the trapezius is a superficial muscle that can be seen from the front, side and back of the body.

The barbell positioned behind the back entails a degree of scapular retraction to stabilize the shoulder girdle as the scapula elevate. This activates the middle fibers of the trapezius in addition to the upper fibers, which are responsible for elevating the scapula.

In addition to serving as an exercise that enhances the aesthetics of the upper and middle back, behind-the-back shrugs also complement weightlifting and sport performance.

A flat and triangular muscle, the trapezius is the most superficial muscle of the posterior thorax. The superior (upper) fibers run downward to the scapula. The middle fibers run horizontally to the scapula. Its origin is located at the occipital bone, ligamentum nuchae, and spines of C7 and all thoracic vertebrae. Its insertion is located along the acromion and spine of the scapula and lateral region of the clavicle. The middle fibers retract the scapula slightly to accommodate to the barbell positioned behind the body. The upper fibers elevate the scapula as in shrugging the shoulders. As a superficial muscle, developing the upper trapezius contributes to the overall aesthetics of the upper back.

The levator scapulae is located underneath the trapezius at the back and side of the neck. Its origin is located at the transverse process of C1-C4 and inserts into the medial border of the scapula. The levator scapulae assists the upper fibers of the trapezius with scapular elevation.

The deltoid, rhomboids, triceps brachii and biceps brachii stabilize the shoulder girdle as the arms are fully extended holding the barbell. The rotator cuff muscles, particularly the supraspinatus, help to hold the humerus in place as the scapula elevates and depresses throughout the shrugging motion. The wrist flexors maintain the wrists rigid and stabilized throughout the exercise.

Behind-the-back dumbbell shrug, barbell shrug, dumbbell shrug, hex bar shrug, Smith machine shrug, one-arm Smith machine shrug, cable shrug.

Strategically varying your barbell positioning (in front of the body, behind-the-back) can optimize the muscle fiber recruitment of the upper trapezius. In addition, performing behind-the-back shrugs with dumbbells may allow the lifter to execute this movement with more ease as the gluteal muscle group may get in the way when performing the exercise with a barbell.

Focus on the concentric portion of the contraction, concentrating on “squeezing” as the shoulders shrug (imagine wanting to touch your ears with your shoulders).

Emphasis on eccentric contractions, prolonging the eccentric portion of the contraction, may also be incorporated in a training program focused on increasing strength. This should be implemented accordingly and with adequate muscle recovery as eccentric contractions cause substantial damage to muscle tissue.

It’s important to note that your repetition and set volume will depend on your goals (e.g. strength, hypertrophy, muscular endurance). It is also important to allow adequate recovery days in between back and shoulder training days to allow muscles to repair.

Using momentum to lift the bar (e.g. jerking the torso, elbows, or shoulders for assistance) minimizes the potential of force production of the involved muscles and can increase the risk for injury. It is important that both the eccentric and concentric phases of the exercise are controlled.

Bending the elbows during the exercise minimizes the activation of the trapezius and places greater emphasis on the biceps muscle group. Keep arms fully extending with just a slight bend in the elbow to ensure maximal activation of the trapezius.

Tucking the chin into the chest during this exercise can increase the risk of neck injury. It is important to keep the neck in a neutral position, looking straight ahead, to ensure proper and safe technique.

If the lifter has a compromised range of motion with the shoulder joint and/or performs this exercise incorrectly, this exercise can increase the risk of injury and/or exacerbate a previous injury.

If proper technique and recovery are not adhered to rotator cuff injuries and/or lower back injuries may occur.