Stand with your feet hip-width apart and your arms by your sides, holding a dumbbell in each hand.
Execution
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 to the starting position.
Repeat.
Comments and tips
Keep your arms slightly bent.
Do not move your arms. Only your shoulders should move.
Do not roll your shoulders.
The dumbbell shrug is great for building the size and strength of your upper and middle trapezius, which will help you with many other key lifts and movements.
Bodybuilders from the golden era, such as Frank Zane, are said to have avoided building the upper trapezius because a big upper trapezius makes your shoulders look less broad.
