Barbell Shrug vs Dumbbell Shrug
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Barbell Shrug and Dumbbell Shrug are close in use — 1,194 vs 683 sessions logged. What separates them is Shoulder loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Shrug and Dumbbell Shrug and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Shrug vs Dumbbell Shrug: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Shrug more often — 1,194 sessions compared to 683 for Barbell Shrug.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Shrug and Dumbbell Shrug differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Shrug and Dumbbell Shrug Differ
| What differs | Barbell Shrug | Dumbbell Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a barbell | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 683 sessions | 1,194 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Shrug
Barbell Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please shrug your shoulders and lift the barbell.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the barbell, it should be done slowly rather than just dropping it.
- 2. Please make sure that the neck does not protrude excessively forward.
For a full Barbell Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Shrug exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Shrug
Dumbbell Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell while shrugging your shoulders.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the dumbbells, do not just drop them; lower them slowly.
- 2. Please ensure that your neck does not protrude excessively forward.
For a full Dumbbell Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Shrug exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Shrug or Dumbbell Shrug?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Barbell Shrug and Dumbbell Shrug need?
Barbell Shrug needs a barbell, and Dumbbell Shrug needs a dumbbell.
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