New Trap Exercises to Build Huge Trapezius Muscles Fast
Oh the "traps" or Trapezius muscles and their many exercises. I was in the gym a few days ago and saw a guy pounding away on the shrugs. He was doing shrugs with a 110lb dumbbell in each hand. He was lifting the weight a total of 1 inch on each rep. The weight was so heavy; he couldn't do the movement properly. Not only that, but he was trying to heave so much weight, he was exhausted after only four unsuccessful reps.
If you don't mind looking like a fitness model (which I agree isn't that bad), then don't worry about your traps. I happen to think they are what sets the body builder look apart from the body of a fitness model, among other things. No wonder people work so hard to get huge traps.
Your trapezius muscles sit on your shoulders and span from the edge of your shoulders all the way to your neck.
Your traps are not just used to lift things, they are a means of communication, they send a message. They are what send the signal that you are truly serious about weight training. Big traps can be an awe inspiring sight, they can also be downright scary. They set the men apart from the boys, or more importantly, the fitness models apart from the body builders. What kind of message are your traps sending?
Trap Exercises
I know you probably think shrugs are the only way to build huge traps. How's that working out for you? I'm guessing not too well, otherwise you wouldn't be reading this. Well, shrugs are an effective core exercise to build traps just like bicep curls are to build biceps, but there are other things you can do to get a good trap workout. Below is a routine I have developed to get you on your way.
1. Shrugs 3 sets X 10 - 12 reps
These had to be included, they are the key to a successful trap training. Now I know we have all done shrugs before, but I would like to included a few tips. Now I know that when I use the standard shrug form and fully contract my traps, they end up hitting my neck resulting in a limited contraction. If you push your head as far forwardas possible, it will remove your neck from the range of motion and allow your traps to fully contract. Once you have flexed your traps, hold the position for two seconds and slowly release. It is also good to sit on a bench to avoid cheating.
2. Lateral Raises, with Traps Flared 3 X 12 - 15
This can be a much harder move than the shrug. The first thing you want to do is flare your traps with the dumbbells in your hands. Next you will perform a lateral raise. This is just like a lateral raise done for shoulders, but with your traps flared, most of the pressure is put on your traps. You will want to start with 12 to 15 reps and not very much weight to maintain proper form and get used to the movement.
3. Bent over lateral raises, with Traps Flared 3 X 10 - 12
The bent over lateral raise is just like the last move but obviously bent over. This is good for hitting the back of your traps which helps you look more built, defined and strong from behind. You will want to bend at the waist at about a 45 degree angle.
These exercises will directly impact the growth of your traps. This addition to a workout can be incorporated into any workout split. For those doing a split, this would be a good addition to "shoulders day."
Add this quick trap routine to your schedule and watch your traps explode in muscle growth!
Learn more about how to gain muscle. Stop by Klint Newton's site where you can find out all about the best way to gain muscle.