Dumbbell Shrug on Stability Ball exercise demonstration image

Video Coming Soon

We're working on adding video demonstrations for this exercise.

Dumbbell Shrug on Stability Ball

Intermediate
Home Friendly

Seated dumbbell shrug on a stability ball that targets upper trapezius for strength and mass, while engaging core stabilizers for balance and postural control.

About Exercise

Equipment

Dumbbells, Stability Ball

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Traps

Secondary Muscles

Forearms, Abs, Lower Back

Popularity Score

5

Goals

Strength
Hypertrophy
Stability

Training Style

Functional Training
Balance Training

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Traps

10/10

Upper Traps

Forearms

4/10

Flexors

Abs

3/10

Transverse Abdominis

Lower Back

3/10

Erector Spinae

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Sit upright on a stability ball with feet flat on the floor hip-width apart, knees bent at 90 degrees. Hold a dumbbell in each hand with arms extended down at sides, palms facing body.

  1. Engage core and keep back neutral.
  2. Exhale and elevate shoulders straight up toward ears, keeping arms straight.
  3. Squeeze upper traps at top and hold for 1-2 seconds.
  4. Inhale and lower shoulders slowly to full depression.
  5. Maintain balance on ball throughout set.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Arms straight always
  • Shoulders up, not forward
  • Squeeze traps hard
  • Core tight for balance
  • No momentum

Breathing

Exhale as you shrug up and squeeze; inhale as you lower with control. Brace core continuously.

Tempo

2-1-1

Range of Motion

Elevate shoulders fully toward ears without rolling; lower until scapulae fully depress, arms straight.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Use light weights to master balance first
  • Avoid if neck or shoulder pain present
  • Ensure ball is properly inflated and undamaged
  • Perform on non-slip surface
  • Start against wall if new to ball work

Spotting

Not typically needed; use lighter weights or wall support for stability if beginner.

Common Mistakes

  • Rolling shoulders
  • Using body momentum
  • Arching or rounding back
  • Incomplete shoulder depression
  • Losing balance on ball

When to Avoid

  • Acute neck strain
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Balance disorders
  • Lower back instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder elevation range
  • Core stability for seated balance

Build Up First

  • Master basic shrug form
  • Familiarity with stability ball sitting

Also known as

Stability Ball Dumbbell Shrug, Seated Ball Trap Shrug, Ball Dumbbell Shoulder Shrug

Found this helpful?

Share your thoughts or help us improve this guide.

Hero Image

Master your movement.

Experience automatic exercise detection and rep counting - powered by the motion of your Apple Watch.

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking 'Accept All', you consent to our use of cookies.