Breathing
Exhale as the target muscle shortens against resistance and inhale during the controlled return. Keep breathing steadily throughout the set.
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The Dumbbell Shrug primarily works the traps. It is a strength movement performed with dumbbell.

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Movement instructions
Stand erect with a dumbbell on each hand (palms facing your torso), arms extended on the sides.
Lift 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.
Lower the dumbbells back to the original position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Technique guidance
Exhale as the target muscle shortens against resistance and inhale during the controlled return. Keep breathing steadily throughout the set.
General guidance based on the exercise and equipment. It is not personal coaching or medical advice.
Your progress
Keep the same dumbbell setup, range of motion and recording method when comparing Dumbbell Shrug sessions.
Weight, repetitions and completed sets.
Example: 3 sets of 8 reps at 30 kg. Next time, record the actual result, even if it is the same.
Look for more repetitions at the same weight, or a heavier weight for comparable repetitions. Total weight lifted also changes when you add sets, so it is not a strength score.
Read the tracking guideThe examples show how to keep a record. They are not workout targets or a personalised training plan.
See how Jijibisha tracks your progressMuscles
Muscle guide
Traps is the primary muscle group. The lighter highlights show the supporting muscles involved in the movement.
Swap it
Different equipment, same muscle
These movements also target the traps using something else.
Related
Related movements
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