Eccentryx / Exercise Atlas / shoulders

DB shrug

Dumbbells at sides, arms straight, elevate shoulders directly up — no roll.

Muscles

Primary
traps
Supporting
None listed

Mechanics

Pattern
scapular control
Equipment
dumbbell
Geometry
Variable Range
Energy model
Glycolytic Pathway (10-90s)
Target feel
Upper traps lift straight up and hold for a full second before lowering.
Progression
Add load after achieving a consistent 1-second hold at peak.
Regression
Use lighter weight with a 2-second hold to build mind-muscle connection.

Watch for

  • Rolling shoulders forward
  • Bending elbows
  • Momentum bouncing

Substitutions

  • Barbell shrug
  • Cable shrug
  • Farmer walk
Open DB shrug in the app →