How to perform Barbell Upright Row with proper form
Starting Position
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart.
- Grip the barbell with both hands, slightly narrower than shoulder-width.
- Hold the barbell in front of you at thigh level, palms facing your body.
Execution
- Lift: Pull the barbell straight up towards your chin, leading with your elbows.
- Elbow Position: Keep your elbows higher than your wrists throughout the movement.
- Body Position: Maintain a straight back and avoid leaning backward. Keep your core engaged.
- Bar Path: The bar should stay close to your body as you lift.
Peak Contraction
- Raise the bar to about chest level or just below your chin.
- Hold for a brief moment at the top of the movement.
Lowering Phase
- Lower the barbell back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
- Fully extend your arms, returning to the thigh level.
Tips
- Avoid using excessive weight that compromises form.
- Ensure your movements are smooth and controlled.
- Maintain a neutral spine throughout the exercise.
Common Mistakes
- Lifting the bar too high (above chin level).
- Allowing the wrists to bend excessively.
- Using momentum instead of muscle engagement.
Exercises

Arnold Press, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps

Arnold Press, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest, Triceps

Around The World, Dumbbell
Type: Core
Target: Shoulders, Chest
Synergist: Back

Ball Slams, Medicine Ball
Type: Core, Upper
Target: Shoulders, Back
Synergist: Chest, Abs

Battle Ropes, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Core
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back

Behind The Neck Press, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Behind The Neck Press, Smith Machine
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Behind The Neck Press, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Triceps

Clean, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Clean and Jerk, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Push
Target: Glutes, Hamstrings, Quadriceps, Back, Shoulders
Synergist: Calves, Biceps, Chest, Forearms

Deadlift High Pull, Barbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Pull
Target: Shoulders, Glutes, Quadriceps
Synergist: Hamstrings, Biceps, Forearms, Calves, Back

Face Pull, Band
Type: Upper, Pull
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Biceps, Forearms, Back

Front Raise, Barbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Front Raise, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Front Raise, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Front Raise, Band
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Front Raise, Bodyweight
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest

Kettlebell Swing, Dumbbell
Type: Upper, Lower, Core
Target: Shoulders, Glutes
Synergist: Hamstrings, Chest, Calves

Kettlebell Swing, Kettlebell
Type: Upper, Lower, Core
Target: Shoulders, Glutes
Synergist: Hamstrings, Chest, Calves

Lateral Raise, Cable
Type: Upper, Push
Target: Shoulders
Synergist: Chest