General FitnessTrapsBarbell60 MinutesIntermediate

60 Minutes Intermediate Traps Workout with Barbell

A 60 minutes general fitness workout targeting your traps using barbell equipment. 5 exercises, 15 total sets, designed for intermediate lifters.

60 Minutes

Duration

15

Total Sets

8-15 reps

Rep Range

~630

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
Rack Pull
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
intermediate

Set the safety pins at knee height or slightly above.

Form cues
  • Set the safety pins at knee height or slightly above.
  • Grip the bar with an overhand or mixed grip.
  • Brace your core and pull the bar up to lockout.
4
Barbell Overhead Shrug
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
advanced

Advanced movement — prioritize form over weight.

Form cues
  • Press or snatch a barbell to full lockout overhead with a wide grip.
  • Without bending the elbows, shrug your shoulders up toward the ceiling.
  • Focus on elevating the shoulder blades — the movement range is small but powerful.
5
Barbell Shrug
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
beginner

Finish strong — take the last set close to failure.

Form cues
  • Stand with feet shoulder-width, holding the barbell at arm's length with an overhand or mixed grip.
  • Shrug your shoulders straight up toward your ears.
  • Hold the peak contraction for 1-2 seconds — squeeze hard.

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.