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Dumbbell Shrug.

An isolation exercise specifically designed to build mass and strength in the upper trapezius muscles.

BeginnerDumbbells
Dumbbell Shrug
The numbers
Sets
3–4
Reps
10–15
Rest
45–75
Muscles
Primary
Upper traps
Secondary
Forearms
The play-by-play

How to do it.

  1. Step 01

    Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand, arms extended at your sides.

  2. Step 02

    Keep your chest up and shoulders back.

  3. Step 03

    Elevate your shoulders straight up towards your ears as high as possible.

  4. Step 04

    Squeeze your upper traps forcefully at the peak of the movement.

  5. Step 05

    Hold the contraction briefly.

  6. Step 06

    Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position, feeling a stretch in your traps.

What separates good from great

Pro cues.

  • Avoid rolling your shoulders, as this can cause injury.

  • Focus on a strict up-and-down movement.

  • Use wrist straps if grip becomes a limiting factor with heavy loads.