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Male
Cable Shrug
Muscles involved
When you want to build a solid upper body, the cable shrug is an incredible exercise to target your traps and back without beating up your joints. The true magic of using a machine and cable lies in the constant tension it provides throughout the entire motion. If you want to progress steadily, avoid the temptation to load too much weight right away. Start light, focusing on lifting your shoulders straight up toward your ears and pausing briefly at the peak of the movement. As you master this range of motion and feel your traps fully engaging, slowly increase the resistance. This gradual approach ensures consistent gains in upper back strength while keeping your form rock-solid and preventing unnecessary neck strain during every single set.
How to do it
1. Stand facing a low pulley bar with hands shoulder-width apart. 2. Elevate your shoulders as high as possible as you exhale. 3. Hold the contraction briefly. 4. Lower your shoulders controllably to the starting position.
Equipment required
Muscles worked
Tips
- Keep your arms extended throughout the shrug. - Elevate your shoulders directly towards your ears, contracting your trapezius. - Lower controllably, feeling the stretch in your trapezius.
Difficulty
PrincipianteSimilar exercises
Variations and complementary movements
