this post was submitted on
27 points (82% like it)
34 up votes 7 down votes
all 47 comments

[–]troublesomeTotally Advanced 14 points15 points ago

power clean involves shrugging...

anyway, i was like you, never did any direct trap work. i had decent traps, but after adding something as miniscule as some sets of DB shrugs, my traps grew like a mother

[–]pastr 6 points7 points ago

Higher rep hang power cleans make my traps scream.

[–]akharonWhiskey Ninja 1 point2 points ago

Did you find your increased traps translated to better cleans?

[–]troublesomeTotally Advanced 6 points7 points ago

i don't do cleans

[–]skripklubbin 0 points1 point ago

Any noticeable Effects on your DL?

[–]bsnyder788 6 points7 points ago

I received great results from shrugging in the 600-750lb range in regards to increases in my deadlift. At my peak I was able to regularly deadlift 495-525 weekly. Moreover, I receive a lot of comments regarding the size of my traps, so I would say that shrugs are definitely worthy of inclusion into a training program.

[–]troublesomeTotally Advanced 2 points3 points ago

not that i can make out. some people swear by heavy shrugging though

[–]incredulitor 2 points3 points ago*

Other way around for me. High frequency, low volume training with heavy cleans and snatches led to traps totally out of proportion to my arms (although I'm still skinny by weightroom standards on the whole). I'd throw a guess out there that doing full cleans is more helpful than power cleans though. PCs don't feel like they use my traps maximally. Cleans with weight that I have to duck under, and can't do for more than 2-3 per set, do max out my traps. Who knows, maybe snatches help by hitting them from a different angle too.

[–]TheRealFrankGood 5 points6 points ago

Honestly, I always felt and saw more in my traps from high pulls (~10x3x260lbs) than shrugs (10x3x460lbs).

[–]KieferSutherlandStrength Training - Novice 3 points4 points ago

Where's the pink power ranger? He has sweet traps.

[–]gzclCan squat your max 28 times. 9 points10 points ago

I'm here. Sorry I'm late, I was shrugging.

No but [4realz] doing shrugs will help develop your traps in the same way that bicep curls will help develop your biceps. Sure, you can get good looking strong biceps by doing chins and curls, but if you want to target those mothers directly it's best to do them in a much more efficient matter, by doing shrugs.

I personally subscribe to the C&P method of shrugging (low reps, stupid high weight, for a shit load of reps) and sometimes I'll go all vanity at the end of my work out and do like 50 reps of 225lbs just to chase the pump like a real bro should would.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points ago

Tons of sets of heavy singles/doubles/triples, rarely going over 5. For shrugs, by heavy, we're talking a bare minimum of 4 plates on each side (straps if you can't double overhand/hook grip that- shrugging heavy with mixed grip is a one way street to a bicep tear)

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]gzclCan squat your max 28 times. 4 points5 points ago

It probably has to do with the likelihood that a lifter will try and pull with their biceps when shrugging with a supinated grip (like a curling motion) and that could then cause a bicep tear when shrugging some heavy ass weight. Although, bicep tears happen frequently with mixed grip as compared to very rarely with a hook grip or pronated grip.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]dodge84 0 points1 point ago

Get some straps for the heavy shrugs. I'll warmup without straps, but then toss them on at 400+.

[–][deleted] ago

[deleted]

[–]dangerousdave 1 point2 points ago

Less likely to tear your biceps deadlifting because there's no urge to bend your arms. Unlike shrugs.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

What GZCL said, and the fact that huge forces accompany the sudden change in velocity and momentum (multiplied by the shrugs heavier weight) at the end of each rep of a shrug that the reversal of its motion entails- none of that happening (or should be happening) in a deadlift. It's like trying to catch a heavy clean just with your arms- recipe for disaster in the long run, considering how much stronger your legs/back are than your elbow tendons/ligaments.

[–]gzclCan squat your max 28 times. 1 point2 points ago

IRDUMB

Low reps, shit load of sets.

[–]jonnosferatu 2 points3 points ago

Yes. Shrugs may make it happen faster, but those movements should be enough to build you a respectable yoke, and will do considerably more for your overall strength, size, and physique.

[–]heykidsitscox 2 points3 points ago

High pulls always rip up my traps, and help my clean.

[–]xsketchxGeneral - Inter. 1 point2 points ago

I do power shrugs (not sure the difference between those and regular shrugs except that I do them heavy and fairly explosively), definitely works for me regarding hypertrophy.

[–]MattDangerWeightlifting - Inter. 4 points5 points ago

Power shrug: Leg drive assisted shrug

[–]Cunnilingus_Academy 1 point2 points ago

I had DOMS in my calves first time I did them, feels good man

[–]Kangaroo__Court 0 points1 point ago

My best traps came from only deadlifts, rack pulls, and hang snatches.

[–]thousandfoldthought 0 points1 point ago

Single-arm overhead press. Make sure you shrug it at the top (get shoulder behind head).

Your upper and lower traps will fucking hate you, but they'll also be HAES.

[–]gretasgotagunStrength Training - Inter. 1 point2 points ago

I did high rep shrugs for about a month. Started at 265x20 and added 5 lbs every week. They grew like a mother. Also helped my deadlift since I started having trouble locking out at heavier weights. Just recently started doing the Jamie Lewis method - as much weight as I can manage for ~5 reps.

[–]Lanada 1 point2 points ago

[Anecdotal] All the shrugs in the world never worked my traps as hard as Romanian dead lifts in the 8-10 rep range. I haven't done them in 3+ years as I was beginning to look like a toad due to the trap hypertrophy.

[–]nlakes 0 points1 point ago

Upright Barbell Rows develop Traps!

Source.

[–]dodge84 0 points1 point ago

Careful with those, Lyle just posted an article on them.

[–]nlakes 0 points1 point ago

Just use an EZ Bar, that's what I've been using.

Otherwise, pendlay rows are good for the lats & traps.

[–]bty2047100% Raw World Record Holder - Squat and Deadlift 0 points1 point ago

I deadlift a lot. I have a really big upper back but not exactly traps.

[–]mackdaddy187Strength Training - Novice 2 points3 points ago

Shrugging helps a lot with the top part of a deadlift and as troublesome said, power cleans.

Is there a reason you don't want to shrug?

[–]bythog 2 points3 points ago

I can't speak for edubation but I, personally, hate shrugs. They just aren't a "feel good" exercise to me. My traps are lacking, too, so I may just have to HTFU and throw in a set a week or something. :(

[–]edubationEdu Bencher[S] 1 point2 points ago

From what I've seen, shrugs look like a great way to funk up my shoulder.

[–]MattDangerWeightlifting - Inter. 2 points3 points ago

Don't roll your shoulders and you should be ok.

[–]edubationEdu Bencher[S] 1 point2 points ago

Don't know what that mean

[–]Rude_Canadian 1 point2 points ago

yeah, if you could go into greater depth on how exactly shoulders are rolled during a shrug that would be awesome.

I THINK i'm shrugging correctly, i don't get pain or anything, it feels natural and my shoulders stay straight, but i'm just not sure what rolling them entails so i don't know if i'm doing it or not.

[–]CaptainSarcasmoCharter Member - Circus Shit - Elite 2 points3 points ago

Exrx:

Shoulder Shrugs Errors (shoulder rolls)

Shoulder Shrugs ErrorsRolling (horizontal movement) is nonsensical
Weight moves perpendicular to gravity
In an upright posture, the upper traps and middle traps resist weights against gravity (downward force) as they elevate the scapula
see correct form
Although it is true the middle and lower trapezius can also retract the scapula on a continuum of planes
they resist such a load retracting against a resistance on a transverse plane during general back exercises
or by upward rotation on a frontal plane during shoulder exercises
Bottom line: It's only necessary to raise and lower the shoulders during shrugs. The lower and middle trapezius will be exercised during other basic exercises
Also see ROM Criteria

Also: http://www.aworkoutroutine.com/rolling-shoulders-during-shrugs/

Basically, it's as it sounds. Stand up, put your hands in your pockets and try moving your shoulder (1) in a circle (2) straight up and down.

[–]MrTomnus 1 point2 points ago

For me this seems to be a good way to damage my penis.

[–]mackdaddy187Strength Training - Novice 0 points1 point ago

If you hate dumbbell shrugs, try doing barbell shrugs. I absolutely hate dumbbell shrugs too. so much more fun to do.

[–]bythog 0 points1 point ago

It's actually barbell shrugs I hate. Dumbbell shrugs aren't as bad to me.

[–]raptorraptorStrength Training - Inter. 15 points16 points ago

That testicle cupping by the barbell is just lovely.

[–]donniedorko 1 point2 points ago

thats why i like using the trap/hex bar.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points ago

I'll be honest- I've never understood the fascination with giant traps- IMO they look kinda stupid.

But in terms of development, mine started growing a ton when I ditched DB shrugs for power cleans (never bothered with BB ones).

[–]edubationEdu Bencher[S] 5 points6 points ago

MAYBE I'VE JUST GOT A BIG NECK

[–]Sicnarf111Strength Training - Inter. 2 points3 points ago

inb4 cnp sees this and shrugs you a new asshole.

[–]thetreecePowerlifting - Intermediate 1 point2 points ago

Do it like Jamie Lewis. His traps are the size of small cars. All he does is shrugs with (LMAO!!1!!!) 9 plate for a few heavy ass reps, and heavy as fuck deadlifts.

[–]NewbieX2 0 points1 point ago

I don't do shrugs whatsoever and people always notice my traps. A friend of mine suggested everyone start calling me "trapsbrah". Deadlifting is all you need, IMO.