How to Do Shrugs on a Multipress | Form & Guide

Learn the proper technique for Multipress shrugs to build stronger upper traps and shoulders with our expert-led, step-by-step guide.

How to Perform

  1. Adjust the Multipress bar to a height just above your mid-thigh so you do not have to squat deep to unrack it.
  2. Stand facing the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the bar using an overhand grip slightly wider than your hips.
  3. Rotate the bar to unlock it from the safety pegs and allow your arms to hang straight down toward the floor.
  4. Raise your shoulders toward your ears in a vertical line while keeping your arms perfectly straight.
  5. Squeeze the trapezius muscles at the top of the movement for one second before slowly lowering the bar back to the starting position.
  6. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions then rotate the bar back into the safety hooks.

Common Mistakes

  • Rolling the shoulders in a circular motion which adds unnecessary stress to the rotator cuff.
  • Bending the elbows to lift the weight instead of using the trapezius muscles.
  • Using excessive momentum or bouncing at the bottom of the rep.
  • Jutting the head forward during the contraction phase.

Muscles Worked

Primary movers

  • Shoulders

Stabilizers

  • Upper Back
  • Forearms

Related Guides

Shoulders · Shoulders