Exercise Comparison
Cable Shrugs vs Kettlebell Sumo High Pull
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Kettlebell Sumo High Pull
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.
Kettlebell Sumo High Pull
Place a kettlebell on the ground between your feet. Position your feet in a wide stance, and grasp the kettlebell with two hands. Set your hips back as far as possible, with your knees bent. Keep your chest and head up. This will be your starting position.
Begin by extending the hips and knees, simultaneously pulling the kettlebell to your shoulders, raising your elbows as you do so. Reverse the motion to return to the starting position.
Verdict
Both exercises target the traps. Cable Shrugs is a beginner exercise using cable, while Kettlebell Sumo High Pull is intermediate and uses kettlebells. Choose Cable Shrugs if you're looking for a more accessible option, or Kettlebell Sumo High Pull for a greater challenge. Kettlebell Sumo High Pull is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Cable Shrugs isolates the target muscle for focused development.