The dumbbell shrug exercise

The dumbbell shrug exercise is used to build the trapezius muscle. A well developed trapezius muscle gives your upper back that powerful "triangular" look.

Position for the dumbbell 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 bar held at straight arms length with a slight bend in your arms.

Execution of the dumbbell shrug

1. Raise the dumbbells upwards toward the ears, as high as possible and rotate them backwards and down. Repeat. This exercise can also be performed with a barbell or a universal machine bench press.

2. Keep the movement fluent, slow, and controlled.