1 - Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and a loaded barbell resting on the floor or a rack at hip height.
2 - Grip the barbell at the very ends of the bar (outside the plates) using a wide, pronated (overhand) grip — this is the defining feature of the Reeves Shrug.
3 - Deadlift or lift the barbell to a standing position with your arms fully extended, maintaining a neutral spine and slight bend in the knees.
4 - Keeping your arms straight and your core braced, elevate your shoulders as high as possible toward your ears in a smooth, controlled shrug.
5 - Squeeze and hold the contraction at the top for 1–2 seconds, focusing on full upper trapezius and clavicular fiber engagement.
6 - Slowly lower your shoulders back to the starting position in a controlled manner, feeling a full stretch at the bottom.
7 - Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, maintaining a tall posture and avoiding any swinging or momentum throughout.
