Trapezius exercise

Dumbbell Shrug

How to do the Dumbbell Shrug with correct form — the muscles worked, equipment, and step-by-step technique from the Fitonist exercise library.

Hold your dumbbells by your side with your palms facing inwards. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and your core should be engaged. Raise your shoulders as high as you can by contracting your traps. Lower the dumbbells back down and repeat.
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Illustration showing the Dumbbell Shrug
Targets

Muscles worked

Trapezius muscle Trapezius Primary Shoulders muscle Shoulders Secondary Back muscle Back Secondary
Gear

Equipment

Dumbbells Dumbbells
Technique

How to do the Dumbbell Shrug

  1. 1 Hold your dumbbells by your side with your palms facing inwards. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart and your core should be engaged.
  2. 2 Raise your shoulders as high as you can by contracting your traps.
  3. 3 Lower the dumbbells back down and repeat.