Face the pulley with your feet hip-width apart and grasp the bar using an overhand grip. Keep your hands shoulder-width apart and in front of your thighs.
Execution
Keeping your elbows slightly bent, exhale as you elevate your shoulders straight up as high as possible.
Hold for a count of two and squeeze your trapezius.
Inhale as you lower your shoulders back to the starting position.
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Comments and tips
Only your shoulders should be moving. Your torso should be still and your back neutral.
Keep your elbows slightly bent to prevent locking out your elbows. Do not bend your elbows any further than a slight bend since this would recruit your elbow flexor muscles, which would lessen the load on your trapezius.
The cable shrug can also be done using a straight bar, handles or rope.
Stand close to the pulley so that the angle of pull is directly upwards.
Do not roll your shoulders. You only need to elevate and lower your shoulders in this exercise.
