Huge Trapezius Muscles are Easy When You Know What To Do

By Klint Newton

There are many exercises that can be done to target the "traps" or Trapezius muscles. So many times people get stuck on one tired method and use it over and over. There are many weight trainers that think the only way to work their traps is to use an unreasonable amount of weight, which results in ineffective training.

If you don't mind looking like a fitness model (which I agree isn't that bad), then don't worry about your traps. I happen to think they are what sets the body builder look apart from the body of a fitness model, among other things. No wonder people work so hard to get huge traps.

The trapezius muscles are the muscles that sit on top of your shoulders above your collar bone that extend from the edge of your shoulders all the way to your neck.

If your traps aren't developed just be glad they they can be the biggest improvement in your overall look, and grow really quickly. With well developed traps, you will raise the bar from looking like a regular Joe to looking like a body builder.

Trapezius "Trap" Exercises

Most people associate building big traps with "Shrugs." The shrug is a good exercise for trap development, but it's not the only one. The shrug has been around for years and is a staple for building traps just as the bench press is for the chest. I can't deny that the shrug hits the traps well, but I would like to assert to you that there are others moves that can be effective in developing the coveted traps. Below is an effective trap building routine that will deliver excellent results.

1. Shrugs 3 sets X 10 - 12 reps

I had to include those, they really are the start to successful trap training. I know you know how to do shrugs, but here are a few tips. When you fully contract your traps they probably hit the sides of our neck, I know mine do. To fully contract, or lift your traps, push your head forward as far as possible. This will keep them from squeezing your neck and making it feel like you are going to squeeze your head right off. Be sure to contract fully and hold for two seconds before lowering the weights slowly. You could also sit down to ensure proper form.

2. Lateral Raises, with Traps Flared 3 X 12-15

This one is tough. First, you need to flare your traps while holding the dumbbells. Next, simply perform a lateral raise. This is just like a normal lateral raise where you lock your elbows and lift the dumbbells directly out to your side to where they are parallel with he ground. The lateral raise usually hits your deltoids, but when you flare your traps it concentrates the movement to them for maximum isolation. Start with 12 to 15 reps and don't use too much weight so that you will maintain proper form and get used to the movement.

3. Bent over lateral raises, with Traps Flared 3 X 10 - 12

The bent over lateral raise is just like the last move but obviously bent over. This is good for hitting the back of your traps which helps you look more built, defined and strong from behind. You will want to bend at the waist at about a 45 degree angle.

These are two unpopular exercises that will really improve your trap building results. You can just add the exercises into any workout, they would be perfect if you do a split and have a "shoulders day."

Add this quick trap routine to your schedule and watch your traps explode in muscle growth! - 17269

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