MWC
ShouldersBarbellBeginner

Car Drivers

Car Drivers — starting positionCar Drivers — end position
Primary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment
Barbell
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation · Push

How to do the Car Drivers

  1. 1

    While standing upright, hold a barbell plate in both hands at the 3 and 9 o'clock positions. Your palms should be facing each other and your arms should be extended straight out in front of you. This will be your starting position.

  2. 2

    Initiate the movement by rotating the plate as far to one side as possible. Use the same type of movement you would use to turn a steering wheel to one side.

  3. 3

    Reverse the motion, turning it all the way to the opposite side.

  4. 4

    Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

How to program the Car Drivers

Sets and reps

As an isolation movement, the Car Drivers is best trained with moderate loads and higher reps: 2–4 sets of 10–15 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest. Chasing heavy weight on isolation work usually degrades form before it builds muscle — prioritize a full range of motion and a controlled negative. Program it after your compound lifts.

Progression

The Car Drivers is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.

Secondary muscles worked

Forearms

Put the Car Drivers into a plan

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Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Car Drivers work?

The Car Drivers primarily targets the Shoulders. It also recruits the Forearms as supporting muscles.

What equipment do I need for the Car Drivers?

You need Barbell. Difficulty level: Beginner.

How many sets and reps of the Car Drivers should I do?

Do 2–4 sets of 10–15 reps with 60–90 seconds rest, focusing on a full range of motion and controlled tempo rather than maximum load.

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