Chair Seated Shrug
Relieve neck tension! Chair Seated Shrugs gently strengthen your upper back and shoulders, right from your chair. Easy and effective!
The Chair Seated Shrug mainly works the traps and shoulders, with help from the back. You'll need: chair.
Required Equipment

Chair Seated Shrug Muscles Worked
Primary
Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers); Side Shoulder (lateral deltoid)
Secondary
Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers); Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)
Chair Seated Shrug Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Chair Seated Shrug
Sitting Shrug on a Chair
Positioning:
Sit on the edge of the chair with your feet flat on the floor, shoulder-width apart.
Keep your back straight and shoulders relaxed.
Place your hands on your hips or rest them on the chair's sides for stability.
Movement:
While keeping your arms at your sides, inhale deeply.
As you exhale, slowly lift your shoulders toward your ears in a shrugging motion.
Hold the shrug at the top position for a moment (about 1-2 seconds).
Slowly lower your shoulders back to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat this movement for 10-15 repetitions, focusing on the contraction of your shoulder muscles.
Ensure you're moving smoothly and control your breath throughout the exercise.
Tips:
Keep your head aligned with your spine to avoid strain.
Avoid rolling your shoulders; focus solely on lifting and lowering.
Perform this exercise slowly to maximize effectiveness and minimize injury risk.
Chair Seated Shrug FAQs
What muscles does the Chair Seated Shrug work?
The Chair Seated Shrug mainly works the traps and shoulders, with help from the back. The main muscles are the trapezius and lateral deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Chair Seated Shrug?
Chair.
What workout day should the Chair Seated Shrug go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Chair Seated Shrug variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Barbell Seated Shrug, Alternating Bodyweight Seated Shrug, Bodyweight Standing Shrug and Chair Resistance-Band Seated Lateral Raise.
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