If you’ve walked into an old school gym, you’ve probably bumped into an iron age strength sage who tried convincing you that there’s only one way to build a set of big traps: Shrugs. Lots of shrugs.

Step 1 is the starting position. Stand in a split stance to stabilize the body. Hold a pair of dumbbells in your hands. Your hands should be neutral, with your thumbs around the handles and your palms ...