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Sergio DolzTRAIN
GymIntermediateFree routine

Trapezius at the gym · supplementary strength

Main focus: trapezius, with preparation and supplementary movements. There are 10 movements in total, not all hard sets for the same muscle. Start with one set of the main exercises if returning to training.

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Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Strength training in a bright gym. AI-generated image.
Approximate duration
46 min
Level
Intermediate
Session
10 exercises
Demonstrations
10 with video

Prepare your workout

Equipment
Light dumbbells, Resistance band, Chair and Exercise mat; Clear gym space
Before you choose
General option for adults. Check each exercise's equipment and avoid improvised supports.
Intensity
Comfortable load with about 3 reps in reserve. You need not complete every set if technique worsens or you become tired.
Warm-up
Before the session, complete one gentle round of the three listed movements. Allow about 6 minutes for preparation, transitions and rehearsing the first exercise; extend this if needed. Rehearse the first exercise with light resistance before its sets, keeping breathing comfortable.

Duration is approximate. Prepare your equipment and take the indicated rests; needing more rest can make the workout longer.

PREPARE TO MOVE

Your warm-up

Start with this gentle preparation before your working sets. The listed duration includes the warm-up.

  1. Active walking

    60–90 s at a comfortable pace

    Choose a clear, safe area and start walking at a comfortable pace. Take regular steps with your arms moving naturally. Keep a pace that allows conversation and slow down to finish.

    What you train: Warms up the body and trains arm-leg coordination while walking.

    Watch video
  2. Seated shoulder-blade squeeze

    1 × 6 gentle repetitions

    Sit with feet grounded, arms relaxed and shoulders away from ears. Gently bring shoulder blades together without arching or lifting your chest. Hold three seconds, then fully relax.

    What you train: Practises drawing shoulder blades together with relaxed neck and shoulders.

    Watch video
  3. Seated thoracic rotation

    1 × 5 gentle repetitions per side

    Sit upright with feet grounded and arms crossed over your chest. Gently rotate your chest to one side without moving your pelvis. Return to the centre with control and turn the other way.

    What you train: Trains upper-back mobility from a stable seated position.

    Watch video
STEP BY STEP

Your complete workout

10 exercises
  1. Shoulder circles

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand with your arms relaxed at your sides.
    2. Make small, slow shoulder circles backwards.
    3. Reverse direction, then let your shoulders relax.

    What it trainsGently mobilises the shoulders and shoulder blades before activity.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Sitting or standing, let your arms relax. Make small, slow circles with your shoulders backwards, then forwards.

    Technique cueKeep your head still and breathe naturally.

    Watch the demonstration for Shoulder circlesBromley Healthcare · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Make smaller circles.
    To progress
    Make the circles larger only within a comfortable range of movement.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving abruptly or tensing your neck.
    View exercise guide
  2. Unloaded neck mobility

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand, shoulders relaxed, looking forward with chin at a natural height.
    2. Slowly turn your head comfortably to one side without moving your trunk.
    3. Return to centre and turn the other way without circling.

    What it trainsTrains controlled neck rotation within a comfortable range.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Relax shoulders and slowly turn your head right and left within a comfortable range, returning to centre between repetitions.

    Technique cueKeep chin height constant without seeking maximum range.

    Watch the demonstration for Unloaded neck mobilityPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200; title, movement instructions and VideoPlayer offering a video checked. Full playback and audio not checked.

    Date checked:

    Keep a comfortable range rather than seeking maximum movement.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Making full head circles or forcing the end range.
    View exercise guide
  3. Light-weight shoulder shrug

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Stand holding light weights at your sides, head aligned and eyes forward.
    2. Gently raise both shoulders without bending elbows or moving your head.
    3. Lower slowly to relax, without circling.

    What it trainsWorks the trapezius while raising and lowering lightly loaded shoulders.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With arms at your sides, gently raise both shoulders and lower slowly without circling.

    Technique cueMove shoulders vertically and keep your neck still.

    Watch the demonstration for Light-weight shoulder shrugPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public page, title and variation instructions checked; VideoPlayer.videoUrl is non-null in the original HTML. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Open the demonstration on its original page. Follow your app card's range, equipment and prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Circling your shoulders or extending your neck.
    View exercise guide
  4. Prone Y raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Lie face down with forehead supported and arms in a Y, thumbs up.
    2. Lift arms a few centimetres without raising your chest or head.
    3. Slowly lower your hands and repeat the same short range.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder and shoulder-blade control in an overhead position.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Lie face down with forehead supported and arms in a Y, thumbs up. Slightly lift arms without raising your chest, then lower with control.

    Technique cueKeep shoulders away from ears; a slight hand lift is enough.

    Watch the demonstration for Prone Y raise[P]rehab · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page HTTP 200: title, instructions and public video metadata, including 67 s duration, checked. No verified public iframe URL is offered; the original link is retained. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Raise arms in a Y with thumbs up, without shrugging.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Lower-back arching or neck tension.
    View exercise guide
  5. Supported rear-delt raise

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Rest one hand on a table, hinge forward and hold a light dumbbell in the other.
    2. Open the loaded arm sideways, elbow slightly bent, without rotating your chest.
    3. Lower slowly with your back still.

    What it trainsWorks the rear shoulder with additional trunk support.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Rest one hand on a firm table and hinge forward from your hips. Open the other arm sideways with a slightly bent elbow, then return slowly.

    Technique cueUse a short range; move the shoulder while the trunk stays still.

    Watch the demonstration for Supported rear-delt raiseSET FOR SET · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Video linked in section 11 of the original guide. Title, channel and oEmbed response checked; full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    The demonstration uses a bench for hand support; the app card permits a sturdy, fixed table. Do not support your body on unstable furniture.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Moving your back to open the arm.
    View exercise guide
  6. Band pull-apart

    Train

    2 × 8

    How to do it
    1. Hold a light band in front of your chest, elbows slightly bent.
    2. Move your hands apart through a comfortable shoulder range.
    3. Slowly bring your hands together, controlling the band's tension.

    What it trainsStrengthens the rear shoulders and trains shoulder-blade movement.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Hold a light band in front of your chest with your elbows slightly bent. Pull your hands apart through a comfortable range, then return.

    Technique cueKeep your shoulders away from your ears and your trunk still.

    Watch the demonstration for Band pull-apartCatalyst Athletics · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Use a lighter band or a smaller range of movement.
    To progress
    Add a brief pause with your arms apart.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing your shoulders beyond their comfortable range.
    View exercise guide
  7. Wall arm slide

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Face a wall with hands or forearms resting at a comfortable height.
    2. Slide your arms upward without arching your back or straining your shoulders.
    3. Slide back down with control.

    What it trainsTrains coordinated shoulder and shoulder-blade movement while raising the arms.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Stand facing a wall and rest your hands or forearms on it at a comfortable height. Gently slide them upwards and back down without forcing your shoulders.

    Technique cueKeep ribs above your pelvis; you do not need to reach the highest point.

    Watch the demonstration for Wall arm slideBESS - British Elbow & Shoulder Society · English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Technical reference from the stated source. YouTube metadata (title, channel and offered player) checked on 2026-10-01. This check does not certify full playback.

    Date checked:

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce the height of the slide.
    To progress
    Gradually increase the range of movement if you can maintain your posture.
    Avoid this mistake
    Arching your back to reach higher or pushing through discomfort.
    View exercise guide
  8. Prone T raise

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Lie face down with forehead supported and arms in a T, thumbs up.
    2. Lift arms a few centimetres without raising your head or shrugging.
    3. Lower slowly with control.

    What it trainsStrengthens rear shoulders and trains shoulder-blade control with open arms.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Lie face down, forehead supported, arms in a T and thumbs up. Raise arms a few centimetres and lower slowly.

    Technique cueUse a small range in which you feel shoulder-blade movement.

    Watch the demonstration for Prone T raisePhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public page, title and variation instructions checked; VideoPlayer.videoUrl is non-null in the original HTML. Full playback and audio not observed.

    Date checked:

    Open the demonstration on its original page. Follow your app card's range, equipment and prescription.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing height or extending your neck.
    View exercise guide
  9. Calm standing breathing

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Stand with feet firm, knees relaxed and shoulders down.
    2. Breathe in comfortably without shrugging or maximally filling your lungs.
    3. Exhale slowly and repeat the cycles in your session.

    What it trainsPractises calm standing breathing and awareness of chest and rib movement.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    With feet firm and knees relaxed, inhale without shrugging and exhale slowly. Complete five comfortable cycles.

    Technique cueUse a natural rhythm without forcing air in or out.

    Watch the demonstration for Calm standing breathingNHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Public source and video reference located; YouTube oEmbed HTTP 200 metadata (title: Long Covid: Film 3.3 - Retrain your breathing while standing; channel: NHS Hampshire and Isle of Wight; player offered). Full playback and audio are not certified.

    Date checked:

    The resource teaches standing breathing technique; the card does not prescribe treatment for COVID or a respiratory disorder.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Reduce resistance and range; keep the movement comfortable and controlled.
    To progress
    Once you complete the prescribed amount with control, add one or two repetitions; then slightly increase resistance.
    Avoid this mistake
    Becoming dizzy through breathing too fast.
    View exercise guide
  10. Unloaded arm opening

    Additional exercise

    1 × 6

    How to do it
    1. Sit or stand with your arms in front at a comfortable height.
    2. Gently open them sideways without moving your trunk.
    3. Slowly bring your arms back together in front.

    What it trainsTrains shoulder movement and arm coordination without added load.

    Rest
    Rest 45 s or longer until control returns.
    Tempo
    Controlled, without holding your breath
    Effort reserve
    RIR 3: finish with about 3 repetitions you could still perform with good technique.
    The movement, step by step

    Sitting or standing, gently open your arms at a comfortable height, then bring them back together in front. Keep your shoulders relaxed and torso stable.

    Technique cueRelax your shoulders; your hands do not need to go behind your body.

    Watch the demonstration for Unloaded arm openingPhysitrack · Audio not verified; written guide in English · Opens a new tab
    Source and verificationOpen the original source

    Official page, instructions and playback progressing to 44 seconds checked. Audio unverified.

    Date checked:

    The demonstration opens arms from the lap and returns while exhaling. This supports the card as a variation; keep the range comfortable without forcing your back.

    Variations and mistakes to avoid
    More accessible
    Keep your arms below shoulder height.
    To progress
    Add a short pause as you open your arms without arching your back.
    Avoid this mistake
    Forcing your shoulder range or pushing your chest out too far.
    View exercise guide
FINISH THE SESSION

Finish and prepare your next step.

Walk slowly and breathe comfortably for 2–3 minutes. Allow at least one recovery day before repeating hard strength work for the same muscle group.

Open workout in the app →

General routines for adults. If you have a health condition, an injury, are pregnant or have medical instructions, consult your professional before starting and ask for adaptations. Stop if you experience pain, dizziness or unusual breathlessness.