Strength

Cable Shrugs

The cable shrugs is a beginner strength exercise for your traps, using cable.

Main muscles
Traps
Equipment
Cable
Level
Beginner
Cable Shrugs, starting position
Start
Cable Shrugs, end position
Finish

How to do it

  1. Grasp a cable bar attachment that is attached to a low pulley with a shoulder width or slightly wider overhand (palms facing down) grip.
  2. Stand erect close to the pulley with your arms extended in front of you holding the bar. This will be your starting position.
  3. Lift the bar by elevating the shoulders as high as possible as you exhale. Hold the contraction at the top for a second. Tip: The arms should remain extended at all times. Refrain from using the biceps to help lift the bar. Only the shoulders should be moving up and down.
  4. Lower the bar back to the original position.
  5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Alternatives to the cable shrugs

Upright Cable Row Cable Barbell Shrug Barbell Dumbbell Shrug Dumbbell Standing Dumbbell Upright Row Dumbbell Barbell Shrug Behind The Back Barbell Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug Machine