Bent Over Shrug (Dumbbell)

Level
beginner
Mechanic
isolation
Equipment
dumbbell
Category
strength
Primary Muscles

An isolation exercise for the traps performed while bent over, allowing for a deeper range of motion.

Instructions

  1. Hold a dumbbell in each hand and bend forward at the hips until your torso is nearly parallel to the ground.
  2. Let your arms hang straight down with palms facing each other.
  3. Keep your knees slightly bent and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
  4. Shrug your shoulders upward by drawing them toward your ears.
  5. Pause at the top and feel the contraction in your traps.
  6. Lower your shoulders back down with control and repeat.

Tips

  • Lift your shoulders in a straight vertical path, avoiding forward or backward movement.
  • Focus on the contraction in your traps muscles throughout the movement.
  • Use controlled movements and avoid excessive momentum.
  • Start with lighter dumbbells to ensure proper form and isolation of the traps.

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 9 reps 11 kg 7 kg
Build muscle 3 13 reps 10 kg 7 kg
Build endurance 3 16 reps 8 kg 5 kg