General FitnessTrapsBarbell45 MinutesIntermediate

45 Minutes Intermediate Traps Workout with Barbell

A 45 minutes general fitness workout targeting your traps using barbell equipment. 3 exercises, 9 total sets, designed for intermediate lifters.

45 Minutes

Duration

9

Total Sets

8-15 reps

Rep Range

~473

Est. Calories

The Workout

1
Upright Row
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
intermediate

Start with this as your primary movement. Warm up with 2 lighter sets first.

Form cues
  • Grip the bar with a shoulder-width or slightly narrower grip.
  • Pull the bar straight up along your body, leading with your elbows.
  • Raise until the bar reaches chin level or your elbows reach shoulder height.
2
Barbell Overhead Shrug
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
intermediate

Grip the barbell with a wide snatch grip — hands wider than shoulder-width.

Form cues
  • Grip the barbell with a wide snatch grip — hands wider than shoulder-width.
  • Stand upright with the bar at arm length in front of your thighs.
  • Shrug your shoulders straight up toward your ears.
3
Barbell Rack Pull Shrug
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
intermediate

Finish strong — take the last set close to failure.

Form cues
  • Set the barbell on rack pins at or just below knee height.
  • Grip the bar with a mixed or hook grip at shoulder-width.
  • Pull the bar to lockout by extending the hips.

Why This Workout Works

This workout is built around the principles of general fitness training. Combine compound movements with moderate loads and moderate reps. Include a mix of push, pull, hinge, squat, and carry patterns each week. Add 2-3 days of cardio and prioritize mobility work. This is sustainable, long-term training.

Training Parameters

  • Rep Range: 8-15 repsdesigned for sustained muscular effort
  • Rest Periods: 60-90 secondsshort rest to maximize calorie burn
  • Sets Per Exercise: 3 sets — optimized for general fitness

Traps Training Tips

  • *Heavy shrugs build the upper traps but neglect the mid and lower traps — add face pulls and prone Y-raises.
  • *Hold the peak contraction for 1-2 seconds on shrugs instead of bouncing the weight.
  • *Deadlifts and rack pulls are underrated trap builders — heavy isometric loading is very effective.

Get this traps workout personalized for you

Revy's AI will analyze your training history, recovery status, and strength levels to customize every set, rep, and weight for maximum general fitness results.