Shoulder-Trap Machine Question

Wookinpanub

I am a novice but learning and only do two machines (rest is free weights and cables) which is the shoulder press and the deltoid extension - on knees facing machine, grab handles and raise arms to the side working the deltoids. Sorry if not explaining that correctly.

Anyway, I added a twist in that I do one motion to raise my arms to parallel to the ground (works the deltoid) pause then raise my arms as high as they go to work the traps. Any experts out there - do you think this is effective? Too hard on shoulder? I also do shoulder shrugs with dumbells to work the traps.

The machine instructions don't say anything about it as it only shows the deltoid movement.

Cherimoose

Wookinpanub wrote: »

the deltoid extension - on knees facing machine, grab handles and raise arms to the side working the deltoids. Sorry if not explaining that correctly.

Sounds like a lateral raise. The combo isn't bad, if you have healthy shoulders. Most novices don't need to bother with shrugs provided that you do things like deadlifts, dumbbell squats, farmer's walks, etc. All of those work the traps.

Wookinpanub

Cherimoose wrote: »

Sounds like a lateral raise. The combo isn't bad, if you have healthy shoulders. Most novices don't need to bother with shrugs provided that you do things like deadlifts, dumbbell squats, farmer's walks, etc. All of those work the traps.

Yes, that is it, lateral raise. I can really feel my traps squeeze as I do that second motion to raise my arms above parallel. I don't do any of those lifts you mentioned - deadlifts, farmers walks.

Lofteren

If you want big traps you'll start deadlifting and doing farmers walks... srsly. Also, don't use a machine for shoulder presses or delt raises. Both of those motions are quite natural with a barbell and dumbbells respectively and only take a few lifting sessions for one to become proficient.

DopeItUp

Wookinpanub wrote: »

Cherimoose wrote: »

Sounds like a lateral raise. The combo isn't bad, if you have healthy shoulders. Most novices don't need to bother with shrugs provided that you do things like deadlifts, dumbbell squats, farmer's walks, etc. All of those work the traps.

Yes, that is it, lateral raise. I can really feel my traps squeeze as I do that second motion to raise my arms above parallel. I don't do any of those lifts you mentioned - deadlifts, farmers walks.

Lateral raise on a machine (why?) should be a fluff exercise. Something thrown in for a little extra work. Major exercises like squats and deadlifts should be at the top of the list, IMO, and you could probably forgo stuff like this. Just a thought.

Wookinpanub

To be honest the major exercises like squats, deadlifts, etc are intimidating and I think I might need some coaching. Also, the machines are quick as I don't have much time in the morning. I do some body squats (in the sauna) or some light dumbbell squats.