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Last updated February 2, 2026
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shoulders

Upright Row - Wide Grip (Barbell)

Pull the barbell up to your chest, leading with your elbows. Use a wider grip to reduce shoulder impingement risk. Squeeze your upper back.

Quick facts

Difficulty
Moderate
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.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    • Hold a barbell with a wide grip, ensuring your hands are positioned wider than shoulder-width.
  2. Step 2Grab the Bar
    • Using an overhand grip, grasp the barbell with your hands wide apart.
    • Keep your arms extended in front of you, allowing the barbell to rest against your thighs.
  3. Step 3Position Your Body
    • Engage your core and keep your back straight.
    • Stand tall with your shoulders relaxed and your gaze forward.
  4. Step 4Lift the Bar
    • Pull the barbell straight up towards your chin, leading with your elbows.
    • Keep your elbows higher than your wrists and avoid using momentum.
  5. Step 5Lower the Bar
    • Slowly lower the barbell back to the starting position, fully extending your arms.
    • Maintain control throughout the movement to avoid swinging.
  6. Step 6Repeat
    • Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining proper form.
    • Focus on controlled movements for each lift and lower.
  7. Step 7Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully lower the barbell to your thighs.
    • Stand upright and safely put down the barbell on the ground.
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025