Shrugs

[scv2004]

Which would isolate traps during shrugs better: barbell or dumbell? Thanks.

[Wolfnatas]

Based on absolutely no scientific studies or evidence, I'd guess that dumbells would isolate traps better. Due to the type of grip you have to use with the barbell, I'd bet that your delts get involved more than they would with dumbells.

[TsiTalon]

I wouldnt understand why you think there would even be a difference. If using the same weight you will work them 100% the same AS LONG as with DB you make sure you have stick form for both sides. I would think BB's would make it harder to make a mistake and only hit one trap

[Gohan]

i have barely started to train traps and find the BB shrug to be difficult. I allways lose my grip and feel very awkward with my hand positioning in front of my body.

[Zeroboard]

I usually just alternate one week barbell, and one week dumbell, and their still growing. Works good for me

[Jock]

Gohan, maybe you should try some lifting straps? They work great for me when I'm deadlifting etc.

I have no idea what is better, BB or DB, and I don't really care. I think that correct form and maximal effort should come first.

I think liklehood of poorer form and injury is higher when using dumbells, due to co-ordination etc. But if you are mastering good form and use a weight that is challenging I don't think it matters what excercises you do.

Jock

[MrPump]

Personally I like DB shrugs, easier, more comfortable for me....also great results

[mustang GT]

Some people need to work there traps VERY heavy to make them grow. Using bb's would be better cause you can add more weight than you could with db's.

[ThaWatcher]

Originally Posted by TsiTalon

I wouldnt understand why you think there would even be a difference. If using the same weight you will work them 100% the same AS LONG as with DB you make sure you have stick form for both sides. I would think BB's would make it harder to make a mistake and only hit one trap

What is "stick form"?

[na_feu]

with HEAVY DB's its more difficult to keep proper form and i find myself rotating my shoulder (which i heard is dangerous with this excercise) . I think BB keeps it steady and provides for the same movement for both sides of the body

[vegasfit]

When using dbs, you are less likely to cause muscle imbalances, because you would be less likely to cheat with a stronger or dominant side of your body because of the unilateral type movement you're performing.

[stencil]

Originally Posted by vegasfit

When using dbs, you are less likely to cause muscle imbalances, because you would be less likely to cheat with a stronger or dominant side of your body because of the unilateral type movement you're performing.

I can understand that, but I'd need 115lb DBs to shrug at this point, and 1) my gym doesn't have them, 2) I like having the rack as a fail-safe should I need to drop the bar, and 3) I like to use straps for them.

[Jaster]

Originally Posted by Gohan316

i have barely started to train traps and find the BB shrug to be difficult. I allways lose my grip and feel very awkward with my hand positioning in front of my body.

I do them behind my back.
VERRY HEAVY Just ask Wolfy :thumbup:

[gettnlnr]

stencil,
we used to stack dumbells on top of one another when we ran out of weight. I know this may sound a little awkward but if you use a pair of lifting straps, and have a training partner you can actually do this quite safely.

[Wolfnatas]

Originally Posted by Jaster

I do them behind my back.
VERRY HEAVY Just ask Wolfy :thumbup:

Yeah, behind the back makes for a better burn on shrugs, but it's not as easy for the lean guys. Jaster finds it easy because the bar rests near his waist, but when I do behind the back shrugging my ass gets in the way.

Out of curiosity... about how long does your average shrug take? I think I may be going too fast, because I think I get each shrug done in about 2 seconds. Anybody shrugging slower than that?