StrengthTrapsCable Machine60 MinutesAdvanced

60 Minutes Advanced Traps Workout with Cable Machine

A 60 minutes strength workout targeting your traps using cable machine equipment. 4 exercises, 17 total sets, designed for advanced lifters.

60 Minutes

Duration

17

Total Sets

3-6 reps

Rep Range

~893

Est. Calories

The Workout

1
Cable Upright Row
5 sets x 3-5 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
intermediate

Start with this as your primary movement. Warm up with 2 lighter sets first.

Form cues
  • Attach a straight bar to a low cable and stand close to the machine.
  • Pull the bar up along your body by leading with your elbows — they should point to the ceiling.
  • Stop when your elbows reach shoulder height to avoid impingement.
2
Cable Reverse Shrug
4 sets x 5-8 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
intermediate

Stand between two high cable pulleys, gripping a handle in each hand.

Form cues
  • Stand between two high cable pulleys, gripping a handle in each hand.
  • Start with your shoulders shrugged up by the weight.
  • Pull your shoulders down and back by depressing the scapulae.
3
Cable Face Pull with External Rotation
4 sets x 5-8 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
beginner

Set the cable at upper-chest or face height with a rope attachment.

Form cues
  • Set the cable at upper-chest or face height with a rope attachment.
  • Pull the rope toward your face with elbows high and wide.
  • At the end of the pull, rotate your hands upward so your arms form a goal-post shape.
4
Cable Shrug
4 sets x 5-8 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
beginner

Finish strong — take the last set close to failure.

Form cues
  • Stand facing or between two low cables, holding the handles or a bar attachment.
  • Shrug your shoulders straight up toward your ears.
  • Hold the peak contraction for 2 seconds.

Why This Workout Works

This workout is built around the principles of strength training. Center your program around the big compound lifts: squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press. Use heavy loads (80-95% 1RM) with low reps and full recovery between sets. Periodize intensity — not every session should be a max effort.

Training Parameters

  • Rep Range: 3-6 repsheavy enough for maximal force production
  • Rest Periods: 3-5 minutesfull recovery between heavy sets
  • Sets Per Exercise: 4-6 sets — optimized for strength

Traps Training Tips

  • *Heavy shrugs build the upper traps but neglect the mid and lower traps — add face pulls and prone Y-raises.
  • *Hold the peak contraction for 1-2 seconds on shrugs instead of bouncing the weight.
  • *Deadlifts and rack pulls are underrated trap builders — heavy isometric loading is very effective.

Get this traps workout personalized for you

Revy's AI will analyze your training history, recovery status, and strength levels to customize every set, rep, and weight for maximum strength results.