Shrug - Dumbbell

Recommendations: 2-3 Sets, 10-15 Reps, 80-90 Wght

Beginner Traps Strength Dumbbell Pull Gym

Purpose: This exercise develops the trapezoid muscles (upper back and shoulders).

Benefits: Exercising the traps will provide a thicker, larger and more powerful back development which will help in other exercises and minimize injuries.

Stand upright with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the dumbbells with the palms facing inwards. This is the starting position. Perform a shrug, raising your shoulders as high as you can. Exhale during this movement. Hold the contraction briefly (about 1-2 seconds). Do not bend your arms during the movement. Slowly lower your shoulders to the starting positions. Inhale during this movement. Repeat for the recommended number of repetitions.


The trapezius is a large muscle group which is located in your upper body just below the neck and between your deltoid (shoulder) muscles. A prime means of working the traps directly is to use a shrug exercise.

Step 1

Stand with the dumbbells beside you, palms facing inwards.

shrug-dumbbell-step-0

Stand upright with your feet about shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent. Hold the dumbbells with the palms facing inwards. This is the starting position.

Step 2

Shrug your shoulders by raising them as high as you can.

shrug-dumbbell-step-1

Perform a shrug, raising your shoulders as high as you can. Exhale during this movement. Hold the contraction briefly (about 1-2 seconds). Do not bend your arms during the movement.

Step 3

Lower your shoulders to the starting position.

shrug-dumbbell-step-2

Slowly lower your shoulders to the starting positions. Inhale during this movement. Hold the dumbbells with the palms facing inwards.