Performing shoulder shrugs with weights helps build your upper trapezius muscles, the muscles that run from your neck to your shoulders. You do not need a gym or fancy equipment to perform shoulder shrugs, making them an ideal bodybuilding exercise to do at home. Jon Huston of Bodybuilding.com suggests incorporating shoulder shrugs into your upper body workout routine, along with exercises designed to strengthen the anterior, medial and posterior deltoids and rotator cuff.
Step 1
Stand up straight with your feet hip-width apart, your knees slightly bent and your toes pointing forward.
Step 2
Hold a barbell or kettlebell in each hand. Let your hands hang at your sides so one end of the barbell points to the front and one points to the back.
Step 3
Shrug your shoulders up to your ears, keeping your arms straight but not locked.
Step 4
Hold the shrug for two seconds, then release.
Step 5
Work up to three sets of 10 repetitions each, taking a 30-second break between sets.
Tips and Warnings
- Bodybuilding.com also suggests doing shoulder shrugs with a single long barbell by holding the bar in front of you with your palms facing toward your body.
Things You'll Need
- Barbells or kettlebells
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