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Last updated March 5, 2026
Shoulders
Upright Row (Barbell)
Grip bar shoulder width. Pull up to chest, elbows leading. Don't go higher than shoulder level if it hurts.
Quick facts
- Level
- Intermediate
- Mechanic
- Compound
- Force
- Pull
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- Very High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
Side Shoulders
Secondary
Upper Traps
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
Barbell
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 upright with your feet shoulder-width apart, holding a barbell with an overhand grip.
- Let the barbell rest against your thighs with your arms fully extended.
- Step 2Position Your Hands
- Grip the barbell with your hands about shoulder-width apart.
- Ensure your palms are facing your body and your elbows are pointing down.
- Step 3Engage Your Core
- Engage your core muscles to stabilize your body throughout the movement.
- Keep your back straight and your chest up to maintain proper posture.
- Step 4Lift the Bar
- Begin the movement by lifting the barbell straight up towards your chin.
- Keep your elbows higher than your wrists and close to your body as you lift.
- Step 5Reach the Top Position
- Continue lifting until the barbell is at chin level or slightly below.
- Pause briefly at the top of the movement, ensuring your shoulders are down and away from your ears.
- Step 6Lower the Bar
- Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position, keeping control of the movement.
- Ensure your elbows remain close to your body as you lower the bar.
- Step 7Repeat
- Repeat the lift and lower for the desired number of repetitions.
- Focus on maintaining proper form throughout each repetition.
- Step 8Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully lower the barbell to your thighs.
- Stand upright and safely put down the barbell on the floor.
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