Tip: Banded Trap Bar Shrugs

Using the wider, neutral grip provided by the trap bar allows for a better contraction. Add bands and hold the top position for 2 seconds.


My traps grew best initially with heavy-ass barbell shrugs. However, lifting big weight eventually leads to diminishing results. With a lower back that can't handle spinal compression, I resolved to set meathead tendencies aside to learn the most effective path to trap growth:

1 Hold the peak contraction.

This is accomplished in a couple different ways. The first and simplest is to hold the weight in the top, contracted position for two seconds on every rep. This increases the time under tension.

The second is to add bands to whatever you're using to hoist weight – barbell, trap bar, or Dead-Squat® Bar. The bands are particularly good because it causes you to fight for the peak contraction vs. just holding it. You're continuously working against gravity and a band.

Lower the weight with a controlled tempo and immediately reverse direction at the bottom without resting.

2 Use a wider than shoulder width and semi-neutral hand position.

The Dead-Squat® Bar is excellent in this regard. I feel the contraction better when I'm able to lift and lower the weight from a neutral position rather than with a barbell out in front.

Mark Dugdale is an IFBB pro bodybuilder and Mr. Olympia competitor. Mark has 22 years of experience on stage and a passion for brutal workouts. He has also produced five documentaries, participated in seminars with prison inmates, and was granted one of the last recorded interviews with Joe Weider. Follow Mark Dugdale on Twitter