Lever Shrug
A machine trap exercise where you lift your shoulders straight up against the handles to train the upper trapezius.
Secondary muscles
How to do it
- Adjust the machine so the handles rest at your sides with your shoulders relaxed.
- Sit or stand against the pad and grasp the handles with a firm overhand grip.
- Straighten your arms and set your chest tall with your neck neutral.
- Lift your shoulders straight up toward your ears without bending your elbows.
- Pause briefly at the top while keeping your torso still.
- Lower your shoulders under control until they return to the start.
Form cues
- Shoulders straight up
- Arms stay long
- Keep chest tall
- Control the lowering
Common mistakes
- Bending the elbows and turning it into a row
- Rolling the shoulders forward or backward
- Leaning the torso to move the weight
- Jutting the chin forward as the shoulders rise
Breathing
Inhale at the bottom, exhale as you shrug your shoulders up, then inhale as you lower back down.
