Bent Over Shrug (Dumbbell)
An isolation exercise for the traps performed while bent over, allowing for a deeper range of motion.
Instructions
- Hold a dumbbell in each hand and bend forward at the hips until your torso is nearly parallel to the ground.
- Let your arms hang straight down with palms facing each other.
- Keep your knees slightly bent and maintain a neutral spine throughout the movement.
- Shrug your shoulders upward by drawing them toward your ears.
- Pause at the top and feel the contraction in your traps.
- 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 |