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Cable Shrug

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Muscles worked

High load
Traps · Upper
Low load
Core and Forearms

Primary muscles

Secondary muscles

How to do it

Attach a bar to a low cable pulley and stand tall holding it with straight arms. Raise your shoulders toward your ears without bending your elbows or rolling your shoulders. Pause briefly, then lower under control.

Form cues

  • Lift your shoulders straight up.
  • Keep your neck neutral.
  • Lower with control.

Safety

Talk to a professional before this exercise if you have any of the following:

NeckShoulderElbowWristUpper backLower back

This is general exercise reference, not medical advice. Stop and consult a qualified professional if an exercise causes pain, and never work through joint pain.