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Traps · Dumbbell · Beginner

How to do Dumbbell Incline Shrug

The dumbbell incline shrug targets the trapezius muscles by having the lifter sit on an incline bench and perform a shrugging motion with dumbbells. This variation emphasizes the upper traps and can help improve posture and upper back strength.

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

How to do Dumbbell Incline Shrug, step by step

  1. Set an incline bench to a 45-degree angle and sit on it with a dumbbell in each hand.
  2. Place your feet flat on the ground and let your arms hang straight down with your palms facing your body.
  3. Keeping your arms straight, shrug your shoulders up towards your ears as high as possible.
  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 Dumbbell Incline Shrug →

Muscles worked

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

Track Dumbbell Incline Shrug in SPLYT

Dumbbell Incline 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 dumbbell

Every dumbbell exercise → · The full exercise library →