Dumbbell Shrug

Setup

- Prepare and inspect the required equipment (dumbbell) and clear enough space for the full movement and safe exit.

- For Dumbbell Shrug, keep the implement, grip, support and direction shown by the name and, when available, the image. If that setup is unavailable, choose an offered alternative instead of improvising another exercise.

- Stand or sit tall with long arms and the load close to your sides.

Execution

- Lift both shoulders toward the ears, pause briefly, then lower them fully under control.

Range, tempo and breathing

- Perform 3 × 10–15 repetitions. Lower for about 2–3 seconds, change direction without bouncing and lift in 1–2 seconds unless the plan sets another tempo.

- Brace before the effort. Exhale through the controlled lifting or shortening phase and inhale during the return without losing position.

Common mistakes and prevention

- Do not circle the shoulders, bend the elbows or push the head forward. Use less weight and hold the top cleanly.

Regression and progression

- Reduce the load and, if needed, shorten the pain-free range while keeping the same setup.

- Add repetitions within the target range first, then increase load only if every repetition keeps the same path and reserve.

Stop signals

- Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness, dizziness, chest pain, unusual shortness of breath or loss of control. Swap the exercise if a comfortable, controlled version is not available.