What is the primary movement performed during a shrug exercise?

The primary movement performed during a shrug exercise involves raising the shoulders to lift a weight. This exercise primarily targets the trapezius muscles, which are located at the back of the neck and upper back. When performing a shrug, the focus is on elevating the shoulder blades toward the ears, which is a direct action of the trapezius muscle.

This movement is essential for improving shoulder stability and strength, and it's often used to enhance upper body posture and support other lifting activities. It's important to engage the traps correctly during this exercise to ensure effective muscle activation and to minimize the risk of injury. Thus, the action of lifting the shoulders while maintaining proper form is key in executing a shrug correctly.