Upper Trapezius

The trapezius muscle is located to the middle and upper back. It resembles an irregular four sided shape, hence its name, with the lower, middle and upper portions recruited during various scapula movements.

The primary role of the upper portion of the trapezius is the elevation of the scapula, or in other words, the shrugging of the shoulders up towards the ears. An athlete can easily target the upper trapezius by simply shrugging with added resistance by grasping a pair of dumbbells or a barbell.

Exercises

• Barbell shrug
• Dumbbell shrug

Other names

• Traps
• Top of back, Rear neck