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Last updated March 2, 2026

Shoulders
High Pull (Dumbbell)
Hold DBs. explosively shrug and pull elbows high. The weight should become weightless for a second at the top.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Medium
- Calorie Burn
- Medium-High
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Upper Traps
Secondary
Side Shoulders
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Dumbbell
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a dumbbell in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing your body).
- Keep your knees slightly bent and hinge at your hips to lean forward slightly, maintaining a straight back.
- Step 2Position Your Arms
- Let the dumbbells hang at arm's length in front of you, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- Engage your core and keep your shoulders relaxed and away from your ears.
- Step 3Initiate the Pull
- Begin the movement by driving through your heels and extending your hips and knees.
- As you rise, pull the dumbbells up towards your chin, leading with your elbows.
- Step 4Pull the Dumbbells
- Keep the dumbbells close to your body as you lift them, ensuring your elbows remain higher than your wrists.
- Aim to bring the dumbbells to about chest height, squeezing your shoulders at the top of the movement.
- Step 5Lower the Dumbbells
- Gradually lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.
- Ensure your elbows are still slightly bent as you lower the weights.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, focusing on maintaining good form throughout each rep.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the dumbbells to your sides.
- Stand tall and take a moment to catch your breath before moving on to your next exercise.
Alternatives & variations
Explore similar movements targeting the same muscles.

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