Dumbbell Shrug vs Barbell Upright Row
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions vs 1,094. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shrug and Barbell Upright Row and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shrug vs Barbell Upright Row: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions compared to 1,094 for Dumbbell Shrug.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shrug and Barbell Upright Row differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Shrug and Barbell Upright Row Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shrug | Barbell Upright Row |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | traps | side delts and traps |
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a barbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 4 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,094 sessions | 4,261 sessions |
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.
How to Do Barbell Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Dumbbell Shrug or Barbell Upright Row?
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,261 sessions against 1,094 for Dumbbell Shrug. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Dumbbell Shrug and Barbell Upright Row work the same muscles?
Not quite. Dumbbell Shrug loads traps, and Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shrug and Barbell Upright Row need?
Dumbbell Shrug needs a dumbbell, and Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Upright Row is the easier place to start. Move to Dumbbell Shrug once your form holds up.
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