barbell-uprightrow

barbell-uprightrow
English Name Barbell Upright Row
Difficulty Intermediate
Exercise Types کششی, پویا
Primary Muscle (EN) Lateral Deltoid
Muscle GroupsShoulder Muscles Trapezius
Workout TypeStrength training
Required equipmentBarbell

💠 Exercise guide

The barbell upright row is a classic exercise for developing the shoulders and upper back. This compound movement primarily involves the shoulder and elbow joints, engaging both the deltoids and trapezius muscles. It specifically focuses on improving shoulder size, symmetry, and strength. Due to the internal rotation of the arms during the upward phase, it must be performed with precise form to prevent shoulder injuries. This exercise is considered a fundamental part of many strength and bodybuilding programs.

Vertical Raise with Barbell

💠 How to perform the exercise

barbell-uprightrow

Preparation

✅ Choose a barbell with an appropriate weight.
✅ Stand with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, back straight, and core engaged.
✅ Hold the barbell with both hands in an overhand grip (palms facing your body).
✅ Your hands should be shoulder-width apart or slightly closer.
✅ Retract your shoulder blades slightly and keep your shoulders in a neutral position.

Execution method

✅ Engage your shoulders and upper back to slowly pull the barbell upward in a vertical motion.
✅ Keep your elbows higher than your wrists as you lift, and direct them outward.
✅ Raise the bar to chest level or just below the chin (depending on your safe shoulder range of motion).
✅ Pause briefly at the top, then return to the starting position under full control.
✅ Breathing: exhale as you lift, inhale as you lower.

Coaching tips and recommendations

✔ If you have sensitive shoulders or a history of injuries, lift only to shoulder height, no higher.
✔ If you experience wrist discomfort, use an EZ bar or a wider grip.
✔ Avoid swinging your body or using momentum to lift the weight.
✔ It’s best to perform this exercise early in your shoulder or back workout when your muscles are fresh.

Benefits of the exercise

1️⃣ Building shoulder size and symmetry
2️⃣ Strengthening the upper trapezius for improved posture
3️⃣ Enhancing performance in everyday overhead movements
4️⃣ Increasing pulling strength for other exercises like deadlifts and cleans
5️⃣ Developing supporting muscles of the arms and forearms
6️⃣ Improving mind–muscle connection with the shoulders
7️⃣ Suitable for bodybuilders, weightlifters, and strength athletes
8️⃣ Enhancing vertical movement control
9️⃣ Simple to perform at home or in the gym with minimal equipment
🔟 Effective for preventing muscular imbalances in the shoulder girdle

💠 Muscles engaged in the movement

✅ The barbell upright row is a compound exercise that simultaneously activates prime movers, synergists, and deep stabilizers. The middle deltoid plays the primary role, while the trapezius and the rotator cuff muscles coordinate the range of motion, scapular control, and glenohumeral joint stability. During vertical pulling, the forearms and core muscles also contribute to maintaining stability.

Main muscles

Middle Deltoid Muscle
Lateral Deltoid

Synergistic muscles

Anterior Deltoid Muscle
Anterior Deltoid
Trapezius
Trapezius
Supraspinatus
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Serratus Anterior
Serratus Anterior
Biceps Brachii
Biceps Brachii
Biceps Brachii
Brachialis
Brachioradialis
Brachioradialis

Stabilizers

Scapular Stabilizers
Scapular Stabilizers
Core muscles
Core Muscles
Forearm Muscles
Forearm Muscles
Engaged muscles

Deltoid Muscle

Deltoideus Muscle

🔹 The deltoid muscle is one of the most important and voluminous muscles of the shoulder region. Its primary function is to move the arm in various directions and stabilize the shoulder joint. Due to its triangular shape, it is named “deltoid,” derived from the Greek word “Δέλτα” (delta), meaning triangle.

🔹 The deltoid muscle is divided into three distinct heads, each playing a specific role in shoulder movement. The anterior head assists in forward motions and arm flexion, the middle head is responsible for abduction and lifting the arm, and the posterior head supports extension and movements behind the body. This muscle is essential for the stability and strength of the shoulder joint, and its weakness can lead to limited range of motion, reduced shoulder power, and an increased risk of injury.

Deltoid Muscle

Trapezius muscle

Trapezius Muscle

The trapezius muscle is one of the most important superficial back muscles, extending from the occipital region to the middle of the back. It plays a key role in shoulder movements, scapular stabilization, and neck motions. Strengthening this muscle improves shoulder endurance, reduces neck pain, and enhances overall posture.

Trapezius muscle

Supraspinatus Muscle

Supraspinatus Muscle

🔹 The supraspinatus muscle is one of the four main rotator cuff muscles and plays a vital role in stabilizing the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint. It is especially important in initiating arm abduction before the middle deltoid activates. Additionally, it helps prevent shoulder dislocation and enhances joint stability.

🔹 The supraspinatus muscle is often undertrained in daily workouts, but its weakness is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and injuries such as shoulder impingement syndrome. Therefore, athletes and bodybuilders should pay special attention to strengthening this muscle.

Supraspinatus muscle

Serratus Anterior Muscle

Serratus Anterior Muscle

The serratus anterior is one of the most important muscles for scapular stabilization and movement. Named for its saw-toothed shape as it attaches to the ribs, this muscle plays a key role in maintaining scapular balance and stability. It is highly active during forward pushing movements such as throwing, punching, and push-ups. Strengthening the serratus anterior improves shoulder range of motion, increases endurance in athletic activities, and helps prevent shoulder pain and instability.

Serratus anterior muscle

Muscle training

Pelank is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the body’s muscles, providing an accurate and scientific review of all muscles. Below, you can find muscle groups. By clicking on each muscle group, you will have access to complete information about it, including:

1️⃣ Basic information about the muscle
2️⃣ Muscle anatomy
3️⃣ Muscle physiology
4️⃣ Innervation and blood supply
5️⃣ Importance of the muscle in the body and sports
6️⃣ Strengthening exercises
7️⃣ Scientific and interesting facts

📌 At the end, a summary review of each muscle will be provided.

Body muscles training guide link

🔹 The muscle group engaged in this movement is highlighted in color.

References

Anatomy and medical books :

Sports and training references :

  • Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier
  • Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by NSCA
  • Well-known articles and training programs by international coaches

Medical databases :

  • PubMed (for scientific and research articles)
  • MedlinePlus (health and medical information)
  • WebMD (for practical and general health information)

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