Shrugs with Dumbbells

Equipment Required: a pair of dumbbells

Technique

1. Start by standing upright with your feet shoulder-width apart and the knees relaxed, while holding a dumbbell in each hand.
2. Let your arms hang at your sides with the palms facing in.
3. Pull the weight up by raising the shoulders towards the ears without bending the elbows.
4. After a pause slowly return to the starting position.

Key points to remember

• Keep the abdominals tight and the lower back in a neutral position

Alternatives

• The intensity of this exercise can be modified using a variety of weights and by modifying the number of repetitions and sets
• Any weighted object can be used rather than dumbbells, so this exercise can be performed at home without the need of specific equipment.