Keep your arms straight and your feet shoulder-width apart.
Slowly raise your shoulders towards your ears as high as possible, keeping your arms straight and without bending your elbows.
Hold this position for a second to feel the contraction in your traps.
Slowly lower your shoulders back to the starting position. This completes one rep. Repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.
Pro Tip
Controlled Motion: Avoid the tendency to use momentum or to jerk the weights up and down. The movement should be controlled and deliberate, going through a full range of motion. This means lifting the weights in a slow, smooth upward shrug, pausing at the top, and then lowering them slowly. Proper Grip: Hold the dumbbells with your palms facing your torso. This grip allows for a natural range of motion and helps to engage the trapezius muscles effectively. Avoid gripping the dumbbells too tightly as it can lead to unnecessary forearm fatigue. Appropriate Weight: Use a weight that is challenging but manageable. Using too heavy weights can lead to improper form and potential injury