If you are a guy you probably have joined'Shrug Guy'at least one time in your weight lifting career. Heck, I even did these exercises regularly for a number of years.
Now it's time to compare therisk versus benefitof doing the shrug.
Brings head and neckout of optimal alignmentplacing stress on the other muscular and articular structures in the shoulder and neck
Contributes to additionalpre-existing tension and tightnessof the upper shoulders and neck
Exacerbatesmuscular imbalancesin the neck and shoulder
Muscular imbalances which lead toall of the following: tissue trauma, inflammation, muscle spasms, muscle adhesions, and altered neuromuscular control (nervous system communicating to your muscles) in the upper body.
Poor technique during the shrug (rolling shoulders forward or backward) may lead toeven worse complications and consequencesfor the shoulder complex
Benefit:
Can increase the size of the upper shoulder and neck
Alternative:
Overhead pushing or pressingwill recruit the trapezius to assist in the movement which can also lead to increased strength and size.
Final Word On Shrugs:
I am not saying that no one should ever do this exercise, my aim was to present you with the risks.
