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Incline Bench Scapular Shrug: starting position Incline Bench Scapular Shrug: end position

Shrug & High Pull · Traps & mid back

Incline Bench Scapular Shrug

A shrug & high pull exercise that works the traps & mid back. Intermediate level, using dumbbells.

IntermediateDumbbellsGymHome

Muscles worked

Rhomboids and mid traps.

Setup and loading

Palms facing each other.

How to do the incline bench scapular shrug step by step

  1. Lie face down on an incline bench with dumbbells hanging.
  2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together without bending your elbows.
  3. Hold for one second and release slowly.

Form cues

  • Arms straight
  • Move from the shoulder blades

Common mistakes

  • Bending your elbows
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Sets and reps for your goal

Hypertrophy

3 x 10-15 · rest 60 s

3-4 sets of 6-12 reps (up to 15-20 on isolation exercises) at 65-80% of your max. Rest 1 to 2 minutes.

Get close to failure (0-3 reps in reserve) and control the lowering for 2-3 seconds. Accumulate 10-20 sets per muscle per week.

A guide for healthy adults. Adjust the load to your level and see a professional if you have an injury.

Check your form

Film yourself from the side or ask someone to watch, then tick what you get right.

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Sports it suits

Gear for this exercise

  • Adjustable dumbbellsSave space and replace a whole dumbbell rack at home.

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Variations and similar exercises

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