Machine Shrug - Phase 2 - Day 1 - Strength. For this exercise, do 2 warm up sets of 8 reps, preparing your traps for one working set. This exercise is a variation of the dumbbell or barbell shrug & targets the trapezius (especially the upper traps) as it keeps you on the one plane of motion hitting the traps directly. Maintain good posture throughout & activate the core. Go up smooth & down slowly. Don't bring your head forward or roll your shoulder girdle, placing too much stress on the rotator cuff. Squeeze up with power & keep your downward form nice & slow. Nick Jones - World Bodybuilding Champion & Joe Grima - IFBB Bodybuilding Champion