Keep your back straight, your chest out, and your shoulders down as you prepare to lift the weight.
Exhale and raise your shoulders as high as you can, attempting to touch them to your ears, but do not bend your elbows or use your biceps to lift the weight.
Hold this position for a moment, feeling the contraction in your upper traps.
Gradually lower the lever or barbell back to the starting position while inhaling, ensuring you maintain control of the weight throughout the movement.
Pro Tip
**Controlled Movements**: Avoid the common mistake of using too much momentum or speed while performing the shrug. The key is to raise your shoulders towards your ears in a slow, controlled motion, hold for a second at the top and then lower them back down. This ensures that you're engaging the correct muscles and not relying on momentum to do the work. **Right Weight**: Another common mistake is using too much weight. This can lead to straining your neck or back. Start with a lighter weight and gradually increase as you get comfortable with the exercise. The weight should be heavy enough to challenge you, but not so heavy that it compromises