Leverage Shrug
How to do the Leverage Shrug
- 1
Load the pins to an appropriate weight. Position yourself directly between the handles.
- 2
Grasp the top handles with a comfortable grip, and then lower your hips as you take a breath. Look forward with your head and keep your chest up.
- 3
Drive through the floor with your heels, extending your hips and knees as you rise to a standing position. Keep your arms straight throughout the movement, finishing with your shoulders back. This will be your starting position.
- 4
Raise the weight by shrugging the shoulders towards your ears, moving straight up and down.
- 5
Pause at the top of the motion, and then return the weight to the starting position.
How to program the Leverage Shrug
Sets and reps
As an isolation movement, the Leverage Shrug is best trained with moderate loads and higher reps: 2–4 sets of 10–15 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest. Chasing heavy weight on isolation work usually degrades form before it builds muscle — prioritize a full range of motion and a controlled negative. Program it after your compound lifts.
Progression
The Leverage Shrug is beginner-friendly. Start with a load (or rep count) you can complete with clean form on every set, then add a small amount of weight or 1–2 reps each week. When you hit the top of your rep range on all sets, increase the load and drop back to the bottom of the range — simple double progression.
Secondary muscles worked
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Frequently asked questions
What muscles does the Leverage Shrug work?
The Leverage Shrug primarily targets the Traps. It also recruits the Forearms as supporting muscles.
What equipment do I need for the Leverage Shrug?
You need Machine. Difficulty level: Beginner.
How many sets and reps of the Leverage Shrug should I do?
Do 2–4 sets of 10–15 reps with 60–90 seconds rest, focusing on a full range of motion and controlled tempo rather than maximum load.
