Barbell Skier Raise - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Barbell Skier Raise

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Barbell Skier Raise.

MediumRear shoulders

About this exercise

The barbell bent over reverse raise (skier) is a rear deltoid and upper back exercise performed in a hinged position with arms extended, raising the barbell backward and upward in a motion that resembles a ski jumper's arm swing, effectively isolating the posterior shoulder and upper trapezius.

How to Perform

  • Hold a barbell with an overhand grip, hands about shoulder-width apart
  • Hinge forward at the hips until your torso is roughly parallel to the floor, keeping a neutral spine
  • Let your arms hang straight down from your shoulders with the bar in front of your legs
  • With arms nearly straight and a slight elbow bend, raise the bar backward and upward in a sweeping arc
  • Continue until your arms are roughly parallel to the floor or slightly above, squeezing the rear delts at the top
  • Pause briefly at the top of the movement
  • Slowly lower the bar back to the starting position under control
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shoulders
Secondary
TrapeziusMiddle back

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Barbell Skier Raise

The Barbell Skier Raise is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.