ExercisesDumbbell shrug

Dumbbell shrug

Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Lift your shoulders straight up toward your ears, pause at the top, and lower slowly without rolling them.

StrengthDumbbellsDifficulty 2 of 3
Two-panel demonstration of the dumbbell shrug, showing the start and finish positions
Start and finish positions

How to do it

Stand tall with a dumbbell in each hand at your sides. Lift your shoulders straight up toward your ears, pause at the top, and lower slowly without rolling them.

Muscles worked

Front
Back
  • trapsprimary

Hover a muscle to find it on the figure. Dark green is the primary mover, lighter green is supporting work.

Other options in this pattern

How many sets should you do?

That depends on your goal, your ability, and how many days you train. Answer three questions and the builder works out your sets and reps, plus a full week around them.

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JM
Johnny Milaychev · Product manager and self-directed lifter, not a trainer or a clinician. Why that matters and where this guidance stops.
Reviewed 16 August 2026 · Exercise library v2.2