Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug
Relieve neck & shoulder tension with seated shrugs! Simple, effective bodyweight exercise you can do anywhere.
The Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug mainly works the traps and shoulders, with help from the back and neck. You'll need: chair.
Required Equipment

Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug Muscles Worked
Primary
Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers); Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Neck (back) (levator scapulae)
Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug
Bodyweight Sitting Alternating Shrug Back
Starting Position:
Sit on the edge of a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the ground, about shoulder-width apart. Ensure your back is straight and your shoulders are relaxed.
Hand Placement:
Cross your arms over your chest. Place each hand on the opposite shoulder to create a comfortable grip.
Movement:
Inhale deeply, and as you do, lift your shoulders up toward your ears in a shrugging motion. Hold this position for a moment.
Returning to Starting Position:
Exhale and lower your shoulders back to the starting position, returning to a relaxed state.
Alternating Shurg:
Repeat the shrugging motion, this time focusing on lifting one shoulder higher than the other. Alternate between lifting your left shoulder and then your right shoulder.
Repetition:
Continue alternating for 10-15 repetitions on each side. Ensure that you maintain smooth movements and controlled breathing throughout the exercise.
Final Position:
After completing the repetitions, take a moment to relax your arms and breathe deeply before standing up.
Tips:
Keep your head aligned with your spine throughout the exercise.
Avoid rolling your shoulders; the motion should be strictly up and down.
If at any time you feel discomfort in your neck or shoulders, stop and reassess your form.
Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug FAQs
What muscles does the Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug work?
The Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug mainly works the traps and shoulders, with help from the back and neck. The main muscles are the trapezius and lateral deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug?
Chair.
What are some Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Bodyweight Standing Shrug, Shoulder & Lat Stretch into Shrug, Seated Shoulder Shrug and Chair Seated Shrug.
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