SPLYT · Workouts · Routines · Exercises · Tools
Traps · Cable · Beginner

How to do Cable Shrug

The cable shrug is an isolation exercise targeting the trapezius muscles, performed using a cable machine. It involves shrugging the shoulders upward while keeping the arms straight, focusing on contracting the traps.

Cable Shrug demonstration
Primary muscle
Traps
Also works
Shoulders
Equipment
Cable
Level
Beginner
Category
Back

How to do Cable Shrug, step by step

  1. Stand facing the cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Grasp the cable handles with an overhand grip and let your arms hang down in front of you.
  3. Keeping your arms straight, shrug your shoulders up towards your ears.
  4. Hold the contraction for a moment, then slowly lower your shoulders back down to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Station taken, or training at home? Alternatives to Cable Shrug →

Muscles worked

Cable Shrug works your traps as the main mover, with help from your shoulders.

Track Cable Shrug in SPLYT

Cable Shrug is already in SPLYT’s exercise library. Log your sets, reps and weight on iPhone or Apple Watch, with last time’s weights already filled in.

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More trap exercises

All 19 trap exercises →

More with a cable

Every cable exercise → · The full exercise library →