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Dumbbell Shrug

StrengthBeginnerDumbbell

What this trains

Front and back view. The highlighted part is where this exercise works most; paler areas are helpers.

Targets: Upper traps

Primary: Traps

How to

  1. 1Stand erect with a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing your torso), arms extended on the sides.
  2. 2Lift the dumbbells by elevating the shoulders as high as possible while you exhale. Hold the contraction at the top for a second. Tip: The arms should remain extended at all times. Refrain from using the biceps to help lift the dumbbells. Only the shoulders should be moving up and down.
  3. 3Lower the dumbbells back to the original position.
  4. 4Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.