Exercise Comparison
Cable Shrugs vs Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Instructions
Cable Shrugs
Grasp a cable bar attachment that is attached to a low pulley with a shoulder width or slightly wider overhand (palms facing down) grip.
Stand erect close to the pulley with your arms extended in front of you holding the bar. This will be your starting position.
Lift the bar by elevating the shoulders as high as possible as you exhale. Hold the contraction at the top for a second. Tip: The arms should remain extended at all times. Refrain from using the biceps to help lift the bar. Only the shoulders should be moving up and down.
Lower the bar back to the original position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug
Position yourself on the calf machine so that the shoulder pads are above your shoulders. Your torso should be straight with the arms extended normally by your side. This will be your starting position.
Raise your shoulders up towards your ears as you exhale and hold the contraction for a full second.
Slowly return to the starting position as you inhale.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the traps. Cable Shrugs is a beginner exercise using cable, while Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug is beginner and uses machine. Choose Cable Shrugs if you have access to cable, or Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug if you prefer machine.