Are you looking to build powerful and well-defined traps, but don’t have access to a gym? Don’t worry! You can still achieve your goal with the right set of trap exercises that you can perform at home. This guide will provide you with a detailed list of exercises that target the trapezius muscles, which can be done without fancy equipment. Get ready to transform your upper back and shoulders by incorporating these workouts into your routine!
1.Dumbbell Shrugs
Equipment: Dumbbells (can be replaced with water bottles or other weighted objects)
Instructions:
. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart.
. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms extended by your sides.
. Keeping your arms straight, lift your shoulders as high as possible towards your ears.
. Hold the top position for a second, and then slowly lower your shoulders back down.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps.
Equipment: Resistance band (or a towel, rope, or belt)
Instructions:
. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, holding the ends of the resistance band with both hands.
. Extend your arms straight in front of you at shoulder height, ensuring the band is taut.
. Pull the band apart, bringing your hands towards your face while keeping your elbows high.
. Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the end of the movement.
. Slowly return to the starting position.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps.
Equipment: Sturdy table, broomstick, or horizontal bar
Instructions:
. Position yourself under a sturdy table, broomstick, or horizontal bar, lying on your back.
. Grasp the edge of the table or bar with a wide grip, palms facing away from your body.
. Keep your body in a straight line, with your heels on the ground and your toes pointing up.
. Pull your chest towards the table or bar, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
. Slowly lower yourself back to the starting position.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.
Equipment: None
Instructions:
. Start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line.
. Lower yourself down into a push-up, keeping your elbows close to your body.
. Push back up to the starting position and immediately lift your hips towards the ceiling, entering a pike position.
. Hold the pike position briefly, then return to the push-up position.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.
Equipment: Exercise mat or a comfortable surface
Instructions:
. Lie face down on an exercise mat, with your arms extended in front of you and your legs straight.
. Simultaneously lift your arms, chest, and legs off the ground, squeezing your shoulder blades together and engaging your glutes.
. Hold the position for a few seconds, then slowly lower yourself back down.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 10-15 reps.
Equipment: Wall
Instructions:
. Stand with your back against a wall, feet shoulder-width apart.
. Place your arms against the wall in a “W” position, with your elbows bent and palms facing out.
. Slide your arms up the wall while keeping your back and arms in contact with the wall.
. Lift your arms as high as possible without losing contact with the wall, then return to the starting position.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps.
Equipment: Towel
Instructions:
. Fold the towel lengthwise and hold it with both hands at shoulder-width apart.
. Raise the towel above your head, keeping your elbows straight.
. Pull the towel apart, engaging your traps and upper back muscles.
. Hold the tension for 10-15 seconds, then release.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 3-5 reps.
Equipment: None
Instructions:
. Start in a push-up position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line.
. Without bending your elbows, lower your chest by letting your shoulder blades come together.
. Push your chest back up by spreading your shoulder blades apart.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 12-15 reps.
Equipment: Exercise mat or a comfortable surface
Instructions:
.Begin in a plank position with your hands shoulder-width apart and your body in a straight line.
. Push your hips back and up into a downward dog position, creating an inverted “V” with your body.
. Hold the downward dog position for a few seconds, then return to the plank position.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps.
Equipment: Exercise mat or a comfortable surface
Instructions:
. Lie face down on an exercise mat, with your arms extended overhead, forming a “Y” shape.
. Lift your arms, chest, and legs off the ground, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
. Hold the “Y” position for a few seconds, then lower your arms to the sides, creating a “T” shape.
. “T” position for a few seconds, then bend your elbows to form a “W” shape.
. “W” position for a few seconds, then lower your arms to the sides, creating an “L” shape.
. “L” position for a few seconds, then return to the starting position.
. Repeat for 3-4 sets of 8-10 reps.
With these 10 effective trap exercises, you can easily target your trapezius muscles at home, even without access to gym equipment. Consistency and proper form are key to achieving the desired results. Incorporate these exercises into your workout routine, and watch your upper back and shoulders grow stronger and more defined. Remember to always warm up before exercising and consult a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your fitness routine.
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