Eccentryx / Exercise Atlas / pull

Kelso shrug

Bent-over row position; arms straight; shrug scapulae together and slightly up.

Muscles

Primary
mid back
Supporting
lats, lower traps

Mechanics

Pattern
scapular control
Equipment
barbell, cable
Geometry
150° Pull Pivot
Energy model
Glycolytic Pathway (10-90s)
Target feel
Mid-back and lower traps fire without bicep involvement — pure retraction.
Progression
Add weight; increase ROM; combine with a pause hold.
Regression
Band Y-raise or face pull for scapular stability entry.

Watch for

  • Bending elbows — turns into a row; keep arms dead-straight
  • Standing upright — must stay in hinged position for horizontal pull plane
  • Shrugging upward (trapezius) instead of back (retraction)

Substitutions

  • Cable Y-raise
  • Band Y-raise
  • Face pull
Open Kelso shrug in the app →