Barbell Exercises for Shoulders

Barbell exercises for shoulders target the inner, outer and rear deltoid muscles as well as the trapezius.

Browse through the various barbell exercises for shoulders below:

Barbell Upright Row

Barbell Upright Row
  • Stand up and hold the barbell with your hands in front of your thighs, hands at a medium-grip position, palms facing backwards.

  • Raise the barbell until it reaches the top of your chest and lower it back down slowly after a short pause.

  • Be careful not to jerk your back in an effort to help you raise the barbell.

Military Press - Seated

Military Press - Seated
  • Sit on one end of the bench and hold the barbell in front of your neck, just above your shoulders.

  • Push the barbell straight up until your elbows come close to locking and lower it back down slowly after a short pause.

  • Be careful not to jerk your back in an effort to help you raise the barbell.

Military Press - Standing

Military Press - Standing
  • Stand up and hold the barbell in front of your neck, just above your shoulders.

  • Push the barbell straight up until your elbows come close to locking and lower it back down slowly after a short pause.

  • Be careful not to jerk your back in an effort to help you raise the barbell.

Military Press - Standing; Behind Neck

Military Press - Standing; Behind Neck
  • Stand up and hold the barbell behind your neck, just above your shoulders.

  • Push the barbell straight up until your elbows come close to locking and lower it back down slowly after a short pause.

  • Be careful not to jerk your back in an effort to help you raise the barbell.

Barbell Front Deltoid Raise - to Vertical

Barbell Front Deltoid Raise - to Vertical
  • Stand up and hold the barbell down in front of your thighs.

  • Raise the barbell to your shoulder level and continue on to raising it up at arms' length and lower it back down slowly after a short pause.

  • Keep your arms extended throughout.

Barbell Rear Deltoid Raise - Prone

Barbell Rear Deltoid Raise - Prone
  • Lie prone on an elevated bench and hold the barbell below your chest, arms extended.

  • Raise the barbell until your arms are parallel to the ground and lower it back down slowly after a short pause.

  • Keep your arms extended throughout.

Barbell Push Press

Barbell Push Press
  • Stand up and hold the barbell in front your neck, just above your shoulders, knees slightly arched.

  • Push the barbell straight up until your arms are close to locking and lower it back down slowly after a short pause.

  • Breathe out while pushing up and breathe in while lowering back.