Smith Shrug

Target Muscle

Equipment

1

Grasp the bar with both hands, about shoulder-width apart, and lift it off the rack by straightening your torso and legs.

2

Lower your shoulders as much as possible, creating a stretch in your upper traps, and then raise your shoulders as high as possible, shrugging them towards your ears.

3

Hold the shrug at the top for a moment to maximize the contraction in your traps.

4

Slowly lower your shoulders back down to the starting position and repeat the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.

Pro Tip

Controlled Movement: Avoid jerking or using momentum to lift the weight. This is a common mistake that can lead to injuries. Instead, lift the barbell by elevating your shoulders as high as possible, hold for a moment, and then lower it back down in a controlled manner. Mind-Muscle Connection: Focus on the muscles you're working. This means really feeling the contraction in your traps when you lift the weight and not just going through the motions. This mind-muscle connection can help you get the most out of the exercise. Appropriate Weight: Another common mistake is using too much weight. This can