The upright row is one of the most harmful exercises you can expose your shoulders to. ... Every time you raise the weight, a small tendon in your shoulder gets pinched (known as impingement) by the bones in the shoulder. This may not hurt immediately; it may not even hurt for a long, long time.

Are upright rows worth doing?

Upright barbell rows have been considered one of the best muscle building exercises for your back and shoulders. This exercise targets your front and middle heads of your shoulders, your traps, rhomboids, and even biceps. ... Make sure not to lift the bar too high — this can cause shoulder impingement.

Is upright row really bad?

The problem with upright rows

The main issue with upright rows is the risk of shoulder impingement. ... When these two bony prominences come together, impingement occurs, and this can create shoulder pain. Shoulder impingement is a direct result of the technique used.