Shoulder Shrugs
The Shoulder Shrug is an isolation exercise that involves the movement of the shoulders. This upper-back exercise has a very small range of motion — the shoulder shrug exercise involves lifting your shoulders toward your ears.
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Step-by-step instructions
- 1
Hold dumbbells in each hand allowing your arms to hang beside your thighs naturally.
- 2
Pull your shoulder blades down and back.
- 3
Keep your wrists and elbows straight and your head in alignment with your spine — do not pull your head forward or relax it backward.
- 4
Keep your torso erect throughout the movement; do not allow your back to arch.
- 5
Pull your belly button into your spine to engage your abdominal muscles and to help stabilize your torso.
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Exhale and lift your shoulders toward your ears. Pause for a count and then slowly lower your shoulders to starting position. Do not sloppily allow your shoulders to drop back down. Maintain control of the movement in both directions.
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Rest. Repeat.
Notes
Start with a lighter weight until you are sure of the proper form. As you build strength, you can add weight and/or repetitions.
Muscles worked
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