Lever Shrug (plate loaded)

The Lever Shrug targets the upper trapezius muscles, enhancing shoulder stability and strength.

  1. Adjust the seat height to ensure proper alignment.
  2. Grip the handles firmly and sit with your back against the pad.
  3. Lift your shoulders towards your ears while keeping your arms straight.
  4. Hold the contraction at the top for a moment before lowering back down.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

How to perform the Lever Shrug (plate loaded)

  1. Set up. Set up in a stable, balanced starting position appropriate for the Lever Shrug (plate loaded) using your leverage machine.
  2. Brace and execute. Brace your core, control the descent, and move through a full pain-free range of motion while emphasizing your trapezius.
  3. Reset. Reverse the movement under control and reset between repetitions, keeping your form crisp on every rep.

Coaching cues

  • Move with intent — every rep should feel deliberate, not rushed.
  • Drive force through your trapezius rather than momentum.
  • Keep your breathing steady: exhale on the hard part, inhale on the reset.

Common mistakes

  • Using too much weight and losing positional control.
  • Cutting the range of motion short and missing the target muscle.
  • Letting your spine round or hyperextend instead of staying neutral.

Detailed cues, common mistakes, and demonstration video are available in the Fitly app.

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