How To Do The Cable Shrug

The cable shrug is a variation of the shoulder shrug that is utilized to build the trapezius muscle of the upper back. It’s one of the best exercises for isolating the traps and offers versatility to further improve development. But it’s important to note that there are many variations of the cable shrug, from using different attachments to utilizing different body angles to vary the degree of contraction in the muscle. In this guide, we’ve provided key details about this exercise that you can utilize and maximize its effectiveness. 

Here’s a guide to the cable shrug… 

In This Exercise:

• Target Muscle Group: Trapezius
• Type: Strength/hypertrophy
• Mechanics: Isolation
• Equipment: Cable machine
• Difficulty: Beginner

Muscles Worked

Shrugs build the trapezius or traps, which is a muscle that spans across the upper back starting from the occipital bone and ending at the lower thoracic vertebrae and laterally to the spine of the scapula. The traps consist of upper, middle, and lower muscle fibers that each contribute separately to stabilize and move the scapula. The traps are very important for supporting posture. 

Trapezius Upper Fibers

The trapezius upper fibers elevate and upwardly rotate the scapula, and extend the neck. 

Trapezius Middle Fibers

The trapezius middle fibers adduct (retract) the scapula. 

Trapezius Lower Fibers

The trapezius fibers may not be as emphasized as the upper and middle fibers during the cable side shrug but they are still engaged. The lower fibers are responsible for the depression of the scapula and they also assist the upper fibers to upwardly rotate the scapula. 

Read: 10 Best Upper Back Exercises For Maximum Mass and Strength Gains

How To Do The Cable Shrug

For this exercise, you only need access to one cable pulley and either a straight bar, EZ bar, or rope attachment as seen in the video example below. 

1. Attach the bar or rope to a low point on both pulleys.
2. Grip the bar with hands about shoulder-width distance apart unless using a rope, of which you’ll hold it naturally.
3. Stand up straight and keep your shoulders neutral, head looking forward. 
4. Shrug your shoulders up and back, then squeeze for a second to get a good contraction in the muscle. 
5. Allow the weight to slowly return your arms back to the starting position until you feel a slight stretch in the trap muscle.
6. Repeat for desired reps.

Here’s a video example… 

 Cable Shrug Tips

• Because the cable shrug provides a constant tension regardless of arm position, you can take advantage of the stretch and maximize contraction by shrugging up and back. 
• Start with light weights and focus on developing a good mind/muscle connection before increasing the weight. Squeeze for at least one second at the top to really engage the traps. 
• If you’re not feeling a proper contraction, lower the weight, and continue. 
• Do not use momentum from the lower body to get the weight up unless you’re doing power shrugs. 

Related article: 12 Best Exercises For Monster Traps

4 Variations 

The cable shrug is a common variation of the shoulder shrug. However, there are several variations that each offer an advantage. It’s good to use variety in your training to maximize development. 

Cable side shrug

The cable side shrug is a must-have variation if you’re going to use cables. There are a few reasons for this. It allows you to use more weight overall as you have one whole weight stack to each arm. Your arms are naturally abducted which is ideal for getting a more pronounced contraction.

The single-arm side shrug is also good to include in your training as it allows you to focus on one side and forces the core muscle to engage and helps to develop stability. Some people may even feel a better contraction in the traps using this variation. 

Barbell shrug 

The barbell shrug is the most legendary trap-building exercise that was used by old-school bodybuilders to build huge traps. Well, nothing has changed as it’s still every bit as effective and will probably never go out of style. This variation allows you to use the most amount of weight possible but we only recommend advanced lifters utilize this movement with maximum loads. But it’s definitely a viable option for beginners that can learn to do it safely. 

Related: Barbell Shrugs Guide: Muscles Worked, How-To, Benefits, Variations, And Alternatives

Dumbbell shrug

Many prefer the dumbbell shrug over the barbell shrug because it places the arms in an ideal position for maximizing the contraction of the traps and the hands are neutrally positioned. You also don’t necessarily need to go very heavy with this variation. Use moderate weight and focus on the mind/muscle connection. 

Trap bar shrug

The trap bar is a better variation than the barbell shrug for many lifters because like with dumbbells and the cable shrug variation explained above, the arms are at the sides in a more natural position, making it easier to maintain good posture and possibly getting a better contraction. Not to mention, you can still load it heavy. 

How To Incorporate The Cable Shrug Into Your Trap Training Regime

Whether you do the cable side shrug after or separate from your free weight trap exercises really doesn’t matter. That’s because when done correctly, the cable side shrug is a phenomenal exercise that’ll build muscle just the same. 

But to maximize your overall development, we definitely recommended mixing free weights, cables, and even machines that offer many of the same benefits as well. But how often and many sets and reps for traps training will depend on your workout structure. Not to mention, the traps do get worked heavily during back exercises and deadlift variations. 

But, in general, we recommend two to three exercises for traps that maximize the stimulation of the upper, middle, and lower traps. Training volume (sets/reps) will depend on how frequently you work traps but once or twice a week is plenty if you’re training with good intensity, especially since, as mentioned, the traps are activated during back training. 

Sets/reps

As for sets and reps, 3-4 sets x 8-20 reps is ideal for building muscle and strength. You should vary up your reps from workout to workout as well. 

But ultimately, you have to experiment a little to see what works best for you because the shrug can be a hit or miss exercise meaning, you have to find the right technique and training volume that gives you results. This is just a guideline and general information that applies to most people. 

Wrapping Up

The cable shrug should be a staple in your trap training workouts. It offers something that free weights don’t, which is more versatility. That doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a superior variation but we recommend including it with your other exercises to maximize your trap development. Make sure to use good form and start light to improve your mind/muscle connection, then increase the poundages to implement progressive overload and watch your traps grow!