Machine Shoulder Shrugs

[kronk]

Does anyone else to their shrugs this way? I know a lot of you are against machines and cables, allthough I think you are silly for feeling that way. I am just wondering who else does these.

For me, I can go to a barbell and shrug at least 350lbs for 8-10 no problem. However, I find that I am able to isolate my traps much more on, lets say a Smith Machine. If I do my shrugs on that, I can do 410, of course not including the bar and it seems to better isolate my traps.

Then I will turn around and do them with my hands behind me (ala Lee Haney), and I have never got a better stretch.

What kind of machines if any do you use for certain excercises?

 

[louden_swain]

Nope. I would rather perform partial deadlifts with 600lbs to build my traps.

 

[ZGzaZ]

i agree with you, this is one of the only machines i use...the seated/standing shrug machine...its very new equipment, so it has a nice range of motion to it, and it isolated the traps a lot more for me.

 

[kronk]

Maybe I will post a video up of me doing the 410 shrugs?

 

[vinylgroover]

Personally, i never use machines.

I'm not looking to 'isolate' anything. Unless someone is a pro bodybuilder, why isolate.....isn't maximum growth the aim for everyone.

I am not the biggest, but if i start using machines now, it will only hold back my growth.

 

[Dirty Workout]

My current program doesnt call for any isolation but I thought the Hammer Strength Shrug Machine was pretty good at developing my traps. I would do like 3-4 sets at 16-20 reps and hold at top

 

[ZGzaZ]

vinyl, i only isolate the traps with this machine because i dont feel like they are being hit hard enough otherwise...its just personal preference, I agree with your ideas on why isolate when were striving for full growth, but if my traps are feeling left behind, i like to isolate them to hit them hard.

 

[vinylgroover]

Are you doing deads. I find my traps get all the stimulation they need from heavy deads.

 

[ZGzaZ]

yea, i do 5x5 heavy deads...but i never feel the traps hit enough unless i do them by themselves.

 

[kronk]

I think they way some people respond twords machines or cables is funny. (this is NOT directed at you VG).

Its like this people, any well rounded bodybuilder uses both in their workouts. While I do, Deads, Good Mornings, Barbell Rows, etc.. I also do Leg Extensions, Leg Curls, and a lot of cable work.

Bottom line is this, for ME, using machines like the cables or like a smith machine for certain work is very helpful. Specifically for my triceps and traps, and often my biceps. I use the cables a LOT of my triceps. Pushdowns, reverse pushdowns, overheads, I do them all on the cables, getting a full range of motion and resistance. I also do the same work with dumbells, ezcurls etc.

For me, doing shrugs with the smith works wonders. It is at an angle that forces me to pull my traps to my ears. Basically I have to partial deadlift the weight up, then do explosive shrugs. I can handle a lot of weight, and my traps dont lie, ask those that have seen them.

I agree that dumbells, barbells etc are the best overall way to teach and talk bodybuilding, but don't scare some newbie off by telling them that machines are bad, becuase they are not.

Peace