Barbell shrugs is one of the staple exercises for developing the trapezius muscles of the back.
Barbell Shrug Technique & Execution
Standing upright, hold a barbell at arm's length in front of you
Keeping your body still, raise your shoulders as high as possible, as if trying to touch them to your shoulders to your ears
Hold this position for a brief moment, then bring the weight back down to starting position
Dumbbell Shrug Exercise
Performed using dumbbells, this exercise helps develop the trapezius muscles.
Dumbbell Shrug Technique & Execution
Grasp a dumbbell in each hand, and stand up straight, looking forward
Start with the dumbbells hanging on your two sides
Then raise your shoulders as high as possible, as if trying to touch them to your ears
Hold for a brief moment at the top, and lower back down to the starting position
Machine Shrug Exercise
As an alternative to the dumbbell shrug and barbell shrug, you can perform shrugs on a shrug machine. The photos below demonstrate performing shrugs on a hammer strength exercise machine.
Machine Shrug Technique & Execution
Grasp the handles on the shrug machine, and let them hang at arm's length on your sides
Raise your shoulders as high as possible, as if trying to touch them to your ears
Hold for a brief moment at the top, and lower back down to the starting position
