DB shrugs form question

[Buffindiandude]

For DB shrugs, if I go a bit heavy (at least for me) with say 90 or 95lb dumbbells, I can only raise my shoulders to within about 1 inch of my earlobes, but if I drop down to say 70-75lbs, I can raise my shoulders higher than my earlobes, basically the same height as I can raise them without any weights.

What is the best way to make progress for traps size - higher weights and a little less range of motion, or go lighter but really force the shoulders as high as possible?

Any advice appreciated!

[meat12]

I would use the weight you can handle (70-75lbs), The reason why you can't lift as high with the 90lb db's is because your tendons aren't use to lifting that much yet. It takes alot longer for tendons to get use to a certain amount of weight than muscles. That's why after using gear sometimes guys hurt themselves, their muscles can handle way much more weight than they normally could, but their tendons aren't able to manage that much weight.

So I would say stay with the lower weight for now then slowly move up, the last thing you want is to hurt yourself by using too much weight

[speedracer59]

I actually like to a smith machine instead of db's. Hold the bar with one hand in the middle of the bar and stand to the side. I really like these. I do them after heavey bar shrugs.as far as weight I would do some cheat sets with the heavy. Sort of throw the weight up using your legs and hold it a second then slow down. After a couple of these sets go down in weight and concentrate on perfect form and go slow.

[MuGGsy]

full range of motion bro, go to the 75s until you can move up with the perfect form and squeeze at the top

[Stonecold54]

Re: DB shrugs form question

Originally posted by Buffindiandude
For DB shrugs, if I go a bit heavy (at least for me) with say 90 or 95lb dumbbells, I can only raise my shoulders to within about 1 inch of my earlobes, but if I drop down to say 70-75lbs, I can raise my shoulders higher than my earlobes, basically the same height as I can raise them without any weights.

What is the best way to make progress for traps size - higher weights and a little less range of motion, or go lighter but really force the shoulders as high as possible?

Any advice appreciated!

always always always use a full range of motion. Just think of it this way-you are using less weight for better results.

[Buffindiandude]

Hey guys, thanks for all your advice! Back day coming up on Friday!!

[Stonecold54]

Originally posted by Buffindiandude
Hey guys, thanks for all your advice! Back day coming up on Friday!!

I love shrugs too, something about them when you look in the mirror gives you a prehistoric look. gets me all pumped. Good luck man.

[meat12]

Originally posted by stonecold54
I love shrugs too, something about them when you look in the mirror gives you a prehistoric look. gets me all pumped. Good luck man.

same here shrugs gotta be my fav, love building huge traps