Dumbbell shrug

Dumbbell shrug

Exercise details

• Target muscle: Upper Trapezius
• Synergists: Middle Trapezius, Levator Scapulae
• Mechanics: Isolation
• Force: Pull

Starting position

1. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides, holding a dumbbell in each hand.

Execution

1. Exhale as you elevate your shoulders straight up as high as possible.
2. Hold for a count of two and squeeze your trapezius.
3. Inhale as you lower your shoulders to the starting position.
4. Repeat.

Comments and tips

• Keep your arms slightly bent.
• Do not move your arms. Only your shoulders should move.
• Do not roll your shoulders.
• The dumbbell shrug is great for building the size and strength of your upper and middle trapezii, which will help you with many other key lifts and movements.
• Bodybuilders from the golden era, such as Frank Zane, are said to have avoided building the upper trapezius because a big upper trapezius makes your shoulders look less broad.

Dumbbell shrug video

Sources

Original article and pictures take weighttraining.guide site