The Dumbbell Shrug

The dumbbell shrug is a great exercise to strengthen and develop the trapezius muscle. The trapezius muscle is that triangular looking muscle on the upper back that gives body builders that powerful posture.

This is a pretty simple exercise to do. Simply pick up a couple of dumbbells and shrug your shoulders up and down. However, this exercise still has to be done right in order for it to be effective.

You can perform this exercise with dumbbells, barbells, or a universal machine. It's a pretty versatile exercise.

Position for the shrug

1. Stand straight with your feet planted firmly with a shoulder width stance. Your knees should be slightly bent.

2. Grasp two dumbbells with your hands spaced shoulder length apart. Keep the weight held at straight arms length with a slight bend in your arms.

Execution of the shrug

1. Raise the dumbbells upwards toward the ears, pause, and lower the weight. Repeat. This exercise can also be performed with a barbell or a universal machine bench press.