Dip Shrug Exercise
| English Name | Dip Shrugs (Serratus Shrugs) |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Exercise Types | کششی, ایستا |
| Primary Muscle (EN) | Serratus Anterior |
| Muscle Groups | Chest muscles Shoulder Muscles Trapezius |
|---|---|
| Workout Type | Corrective Isolated Stretching |
| Required equipment | Machine |
💠 Exercise guide
The Dip Shrug exercise is designed to strengthen the serratus anterior and improve shoulder stability. It is especially beneficial for individuals seeking to enhance shoulder function and prevent related injuries.
💠 How to perform the exercise
Preparation
✅ Position yourself on parallel dip bars and support your body with arms fully extended.
✅ Keep your legs hanging freely or bend your knees and cross your feet behind you.
Execution method
✅ Without bending your elbows, slowly elevate your shoulders (shrug) and then gently return to the starting position.
✅ Keep your body straight and controlled throughout the movement, avoiding swinging or unnecessary motion.
Coaching tips and recommendations
✔ Focus on moving only your shoulders—do not bend your elbows.
✔ Perform the exercise slowly and with full control; avoid sudden or jerky movements.
✔ Stop immediately if you feel pain or discomfort and consult a specialist.
Benefits of the exercise
1️⃣ Strengthens the serratus anterior and improves shoulder stability
2️⃣ Enhances body awareness of scapular movement
3️⃣ Helps prevent shoulder injuries such as impingement
4️⃣ Suitable for rehabilitation after shoulder injuries
5️⃣ Can be performed at home or in the gym with simple equipment
💠 Muscles engaged in the movement
The Dip Shrug primarily targets the serratus anterior, which plays a crucial role in stabilizing and protracting the shoulder blades. The trapezius, latissimus dorsi, and rotator cuff muscles also act as synergists and stabilizers during the movement.
Main muscles
Synergistic muscles
Stabilizers
Serratus Anterior Muscle
Serratus Anterior Muscle
The serratus anterior is one of the most important muscles for scapular stabilization and movement. Named for its saw-toothed shape as it attaches to the ribs, this muscle plays a key role in maintaining scapular balance and stability. It is highly active during forward pushing movements such as throwing, punching, and push-ups. Strengthening the serratus anterior improves shoulder range of motion, increases endurance in athletic activities, and helps prevent shoulder pain and instability.
✅ Persian Name: Dandane-ye Ghodami
✅ Latin Name: Serratus Anterior
✅ Common Name: Boxer’s Muscle
✅ Location:
🟡 Located on the lateral aspect of the chest, over the upper ribs
🟡 Originates from the upper ribs and attaches to the medial border of the scapula
🟡 Its primary role is scapular stabilization and protraction (moving the scapula forward)
✅ 🦾 Origin
✔ Ribs 1 to 8 or 9
✅ 🦿 Insertion
✔ Medial border of the scapula
✅ 📌 Function
✔ Scapular protraction – assists movements such as punching and throwing
✔ Stabilizes the scapula against the rib cage – prevents instability and scapular winging
✔ Upward rotation of the scapula – during arm elevation above the head
✔ Supports pushing movements like push-ups and bench press
✅ 💪🏻 Muscle Fiber Type
✔ A combination of slow-twitch fibers (Type I) for endurance and fast-twitch fibers (Type II) for rapid movements
✅ 🏋🏻♂️ Role in Movement and Athletic Performance
✔ Active in all throwing and punching movements, such as in boxing
✔ Primary scapular stabilizer during exercises like push-ups and bench press
✔ Assists scapular rotation when lifting objects overhead (e.g., weightlifting and discus throwing)
✅ 🧗🏻♂️ Muscle Strength and Endurance
✔ A key muscle for shoulder stability and joint injury prevention
✔ Weakness can cause scapular winging, leading to limited upper body movement
🧠 Innervation
✔ Long thoracic nerve
🩸 Blood Supply
✔ Thoracodorsal artery
✔ Posterior intercostal arteries
✅ 🤼♂️ Role in Sports and Physical Activities
✔ Boxing and MMA: responsible for powerful and rapid punching motions
✔ Weightlifting: aids proper scapular rotation during heavy lifts
✔ Bodybuilding and fitness: active in pushing exercises such as push-ups, dips, and bench press
✅ 🏌🏻♂️ Interaction with Other Muscles and Joints
✔ Works in coordination with the trapezius, deltoid, and pectoralis major muscles for proper shoulder stabilization and movement
✔ Poor scapular stabilization due to weakness in this muscle can lead to shoulder pain and decreased athletic performance
✅ 💉 Vulnerability and Potential Issues
✔ Weakness in this muscle can cause “scapular winging,” reducing shoulder range of motion
✔ Spasms or weakness may lead to interscapular pain and decreased shoulder stability
✅ 🏋🏻♂️ Key Exercises to Strengthen the Serratus Anterior
1️⃣ Scapular push-ups – directly activate and strengthen the muscle
2️⃣ Resistance band punches – simulate punching motions to build strength
3️⃣ Wall slides with resistance band – aid in scapular strengthening and stabilization
4️⃣ Push-ups plus (push-ups with added scapular protraction) – increase muscle endurance
5️⃣ Scapular control exercises with bands – enhance muscle stability
✅ 🧘🏻♀️ Stretching and Recovery Movements
✔ Chest & scapular stretch – improves flexibility and prevents muscle tightness
✔ Scapular mobility drills – enhance control and strengthen the shoulder joint
✅ Fun Fact
✔ The serratus anterior is highly developed in boxers and throwing athletes, which is why it is often called the “boxer’s muscle.”
✅ Practical Tip
✔ If you experience pain or imbalance in the shoulder when raising your arm, this muscle is likely weak. Strengthening and mobility exercises can help improve its function.
🔴 Name & Location: A superficial muscle over the ribs, attached to the scapula
🟠 Anatomy: Originates from ribs 1 to 8 and inserts into the medial border of the scapula
🟡 Function: Stabilizes and moves the scapula, assisting in throwing and pushing movements
🟢 Physiology: Composed of both slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers
🔵 Innervation: Long thoracic nerve
🟣 Importance: Essential in boxing, bodybuilding, and overhead activities
🟤 Exercises: Scapular push-ups, resistance band punches, scapular control with bands
⚫ Fun Fact: A vital muscle for throwing and combat athletes
Trapezius muscle
Trapezius Muscle
The trapezius muscle is one of the most important superficial back muscles, extending from the occipital region to the middle of the back. It plays a key role in shoulder movements, scapular stabilization, and neck motions. Strengthening this muscle improves shoulder endurance, reduces neck pain, and enhances overall posture.
✅ Persian Name: Zozanaghei
✅ Latin Name: Trapezius
✅ Common Name: Trapezius muscle
✅ Location:
🟡 A superficial muscle extending from the base of the skull to the twelfth thoracic vertebra (T12).
🟡 Positioned as a broad, diamond-shaped muscle on both sides of the spine.
🟡 Responsible for shoulder movements, scapular stabilization, and assisting neck motions.
✅ 🦾 Origin
✔ Occipital bone
✔ Cervical ligamentum nuchae
✔ Cervical and thoracic vertebrae (C7-T12)
✅ 🦿 Insertion
✔ Clavicle (lateral third)
✔ Acromion process of the scapula
✔ Spine of the scapula
✅ 📌 Division and Function | Muscle Roles
🔹 The trapezius muscle consists of three main parts, each with different functions:
1️⃣ Upper (Superior) part
✔ Elevates the scapula (like shrugging the shoulders)
✔ Assists in head rotation and neck flexion
2️⃣ Middle part
✔ Retracts the scapula (drawing the shoulder blades closer together)
3️⃣ Lower (Inferior) part
✔ Depresses the scapula (pressing the shoulders downward)
✔ Assists in upward-to-downward rotation of the scapula
✅ Main Functions:
✔ Stabilization and movement of the scapula
✔ Assistance in head and neck movements
✔ Providing stability during shoulder and arm motions
✅ 💪🏻 Muscle Fiber Types
✔ A combination of slow-twitch fibers (Type 1) for endurance and fast-twitch fibers (Type 2) for rapid movements.
✔ The lower part contains more slow-twitch fibers, aiding in endurance maintenance.
✔ The upper part has a higher proportion of fast-twitch fibers, suited for explosive and quick movements.
✅ 🏋🏻♂️ Role in Motor and Sports Performance
✔ Plays a key role in weightlifting, bodybuilding, swimming, gymnastics, and wrestling.
✔ Active during overhead press, pull-ups, deadlifts, and rowing movements.
✔ Strengthening this muscle increases neck endurance and reduces injuries caused by spinal stress.
✅ 🧗🏻♂️ Muscle Strength and Endurance
✔ This muscle is engaged in all overhead and shoulder movements.
✔ Weakness in this muscle leads to reduced endurance in strength training and increases the risk of shoulder and neck pain.
🧠 Innervation | Neural Control
✔ Accessory nerve (Cranial Nerve XI)
✔ Branches of cervical nerves (C3-C4)
🩸 Blood Supply
✔ Transverse cervical artery
✔ Suprascapular artery
✅ 🤼♂️ Role in Sports and Physical Activities
✔ Important in sports such as bodybuilding, weightlifting, swimming, wrestling, and boxing.
✔ Vital for head and neck stability in American football, rugby, and martial arts.
✅ 🏌🏻♂️ Relationship with Other Muscles and Joints
✔ Works alongside the rhomboid muscles, levator scapulae, and latissimus dorsi in scapular movement and stabilization.
✔ Weakness in this muscle leads to poor posture, neck pain, and limited shoulder mobility.
✅ 💉 Vulnerability and Potential Issues
✔ Spasms and tightness in this muscle are common and often cause pain in the neck and upper shoulder area.
✔ Weakness or lack of strengthening can lead to shoulder drooping and reduced power in overhead movements.
✅ 🏋🏻♂️ Key Exercises to Strengthen the Trapezius Muscle
1️⃣ Dumbbell or Barbell Shrugs – Increase size and strength of the upper trapezius
2️⃣ Wide-Grip Pull-Ups – Engage the middle and lower parts of the muscle
3️⃣ Deadlifts – Strengthen the entire trapezius muscle
4️⃣ Bent-Over Rows with Barbell or Dumbbells – Target the middle portion of the muscle
5️⃣ Face Pulls with Cable – Enhance strength and endurance of the middle and lower trapezius
✅ 🧘🏻♀️ Stretching and Recovery Exercises
✔ Neck Stretch – Reduces tension in the upper trapezius
✔ Trapezius Stretch – Increases flexibility and reduces spasms
✔ Shoulder Stretch – Improves range of motion
✅ Interesting Fact:
✔ The trapezius muscle plays a crucial role not only in shoulder and neck movements but also in stabilizing the spine and controlling upper body motions.
✅ Practical Tip:
✔ Combining strength exercises (such as deadlifts) with stretching movements (like neck stretches) is highly effective for improving performance and preventing muscle injuries.
🔴 Name and Location: A superficial muscle on both sides of the spine from the neck to mid-back
🟠 Anatomy: Three parts (upper, middle, lower) with distinct functions
🟡 Function: Stabilizes and moves the scapula; assists head and neck movements
🟢 Physiology: Combination of slow- and fast-twitch fibers for endurance and strength
🔵 Innervation: Accessory nerve and cervical nerves (C3-C4)
🟣 Importance: Active in bodybuilding, weightlifting, swimming, and martial arts
🟤 Exercises: Shrugs, deadlifts, pull-ups, rows, neck stretches
⚫ Interesting Fact: The most important muscle for overhead movements and shoulder stabilization
Latissimus dorsi muscle
Latissimus Dorsi Muscle
The latissimus dorsi is one of the strongest and widest superficial back muscles, playing a crucial role in pulling movements, backward bending, and internal rotation of the arm. It extends from the lower spine to the humerus and is responsible for generating pulling force in exercises like pull-ups, swimming, and rowing. Strengthening this muscle enhances pulling power, improves body posture, and reduces the risk of lower back and shoulder injuries.
✅ Persian Name: Poshti bozorg
✅ Latin Name: Latissimus Dorsi
✅ Common Name: Lat
✅ Location:
🟡 A superficial muscle that connects from the lower spine, ribs, and pelvis to the humerus (upper arm bone).
🟡 A large, broad muscle located on both sides of the back, covering most of the lumbar and dorsal regions.
🟡 Responsible for pulling movements, arm adduction, and internal rotation of the arm.
✅ 🦾 Origin
✔ Lower six thoracic vertebrae (T7-T12)
✔ Lumbar vertebrae (L1-L5)
✔ Sacrum
✔ Iliac crest
✔ Lower ribs (9th to 12th)
✅ 🦿 Insertion
✔ Humerus (intertubercular groove)
✅ 📌 Function and Roles
🔹 The latissimus dorsi plays a role in various movements, including pulling, arm adduction, and internal rotation of the shoulder:
1️⃣ Pulling the arm down and back (Adduction)
✔ Like pulling the bar down during a lat pulldown exercise.
2️⃣ Internal rotation of the arm
✔ Like moving the arm inward during swimming and ball throwing.
3️⃣ Extension of the arm backward
✔ Like pulling the arm backward during pull-ups and rowing exercises.
✅ Main Functions:
✔ Lowering the arm and generating pulling force
✔ Assisting in shoulder stabilization during sports movements
✔ Increasing muscular endurance in strength exercises
✅ 💪🏻 Muscle Fiber Types
✔ A combination of slow-twitch fibers (Type 1) for endurance and fast-twitch fibers (Type 2) for power movements.
✔ The middle section contains more slow-twitch fibers and is active during sustained pulling movements.
✔ The lower section has fast-twitch fibers used in explosive power movements.
✅ 🏋🏻♂️ Role in Motor and Sports Performance
✔ The most important muscle in pulling movements such as pull-ups, swimming, and weightlifting.
✔ Plays a significant role in rowing, swimming, wrestling, and gymnastics.
✔ Strengthening this muscle increases pulling power, improves endurance, and reduces lower back injuries.
✅ 🧗🏻♂️ Muscle Strength and Endurance
✔ This muscle plays a key role in all pulling and strengthening movements of the upper body.
✔ Weakness in this muscle reduces endurance and increases stress on the lumbar and cervical vertebrae.
🧠 Innervation | Neural Control
✔ Thoracodorsal nerve (C6, C7, C8)
🩸 Blood Supply
✔ Thoracodorsal artery
✅ 🤼♂️ Role in Sports and Physical Activities
✔ Vital in sports such as bodybuilding, swimming, wrestling, rock climbing, and gymnastics.
✔ Plays a key role in shot put, cable pulling, weightlifting, and swimming.
✅ 🏌🏻♂️ Relationship with Other Muscles and Joints
✔ Interacts with the deltoid muscle, rotator cuff muscles, and teres major muscle.
✔ Weakness in this muscle leads to reduced pulling strength and pain in the lower back and shoulders.
✅ 💉 Vulnerability and Potential Issues
✔ Strain or weakness in this muscle can lead to lower back problems and pain in the upper back and shoulders.
✔ Weakness increases stress on the lumbar and cervical vertebrae.
✅ 🏋🏻♂️ Key Exercises to Strengthen the Latissimus Dorsi
1️⃣ Pull-Ups – The most effective exercise for full lat engagement
2️⃣ Lat Pulldown – Increases arm pulling strength
3️⃣ Bent-Over Barbell Rows – Builds size and strength in the back
4️⃣ One-Arm Dumbbell Rows – Strengthens the lateral and upper sections of the muscle
5️⃣ Deadlifts – Enhances endurance and strengthens the entire posterior chain
✅ 🧘🏻♀️ Stretching and Recovery Exercises
✔ Overhead Lat Stretch – Improves range of motion and reduces muscle tension
✔ Wall Lat Stretch – Increases flexibility during pulling movements
✅ Interesting Fact:
✔ The latissimus dorsi is one of the broadest muscles in the human body and plays a role in numerous daily and sports movements.
✅ Practical Tip:
✔ To better strengthen this muscle, combine compound exercises like deadlifts and pull-ups with isolation movements such as lat pulldowns.
🔴 Name and Location: A broad back muscle extending from the lower spine to the arm
🟠 Anatomy: Originates from lumbar and thoracic vertebrae and ribs, attaching to the humerus
🟡 Function: Pulling, lowering, and internal rotation of the arm
🟢 Physiology: A mix of slow- and fast-twitch fibers for endurance and strength
🔵 Innervation: Thoracodorsal nerve (C6, C7, C8)
🟣 Importance: Active in bodybuilding, swimming, wrestling, weightlifting, and rock climbing
🟤 Exercises: Pull-ups, lat pulldown, rowing, deadlifts, arm stretches
⚫ Interesting Facts: One of the broadest muscles in the body and the key muscle in pulling movements
Subscapularis Muscle
Subscapularis Muscle
🔹 The subscapularis is the largest of the rotator cuff muscles and the only one in the group responsible for internal rotation of the arm. It plays a key role in stabilizing the shoulder joint and enhancing the power of throwing and resistance movements.
🔹 Unlike the other rotator cuff muscles, which primarily contribute to external rotation and overhead stabilization of the shoulder, the subscapularis is responsible for internal rotation of the arm and compressing the humeral head into the glenoid cavity. Weakness in this muscle can increase the risk of shoulder dislocation and reduce the range of motion.
✅ Persian Name: Tahte Ketfi
✅ Latin Name: Subscapularis
✅ Common Name: Internal Shoulder Rotator | Shoulder Joint Stabilizer
✅ Location:
🟡 Located on the anterior (front) surface of the scapula, within the subscapular fossa.
🟡 It is one of the four rotator cuff muscles and plays a vital role in stabilizing the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint.
🟡 Its primary function is internal rotation of the arm and preventing excessive displacement of the humeral head within the shoulder joint.
✅ 🔹 Muscle Origin
✔ Subscapular fossa of the scapula
✅ 🔹 Muscle Insertion
✔ Lesser tubercle of the humerus
✅ 🔹 Muscle Function
📌 Primary functions of the subscapularis muscle:
✔ Internal rotation of the arm – rotating the arm inward toward the body
✔ Stabilizing the shoulder joint during heavy and resistance movements
✔ Controlling pressing motions and enhancing joint stability
📌 Movements involving activation of the subscapularis:
✔ Internal rotation of the arm during resistance exercises (e.g., band internal rotations)
✔ Pressing movements such as bench press and shoulder press
✔ Throwing exercises like shot put and discus throw
✅ 💪🏻 Muscle Fiber Types
✔ A combination of ✔ A combination of slow-twitch fibers (Type I) and fast-twitch fibers (Type II).
✔ Contains a higher proportion of slow-twitch fibers, which contribute to endurance and shoulder joint control.
✅ 🏋🏻♂️ Role in Sports and Physical Activities
✔ A key muscle for controlling rotational movements and stabilizing the shoulder in sports like gymnastics, swimming, wrestling, and weightlifting
✔ Active in light resistance and stretching exercises to prevent shoulder injuries
✔ Weakness in this muscle can lead to shoulder instability and reduced ability in pressing movements
✅ 🧗🏻♂️ Muscle Strength and Endurance
✔ A strong muscle involved in stabilizing and controlling pressing and rotational shoulder movements
✔ Requires controlled exercises to build strength and prevent tendon inflammation
✅ 🧠 Innervation
✔ Subscapular nerve (C5, C6, C7), which controls this muscle
✅ 🩸 Blood Supply
✔ Subscapular artery
✅ 🤼♂️ Role in Sports and Physical Activities
✔ A key muscle for stabilizing the shoulder joint and controlling rotational and pressing movements
✔ Active in sports such as wrestling, weightlifting, swimming, and throwing events
✔ Weakness in this muscle increases the risk of shoulder injuries and reduces shoulder mobility and strength
✅ 🏌🏻♂️ Interaction with Other Muscles and Joints
✔ Works closely with other rotator cuff muscles (supraspinatus, infraspinatus, teres minor) and the pectoral muscles
✔ Weakness in this muscle increases stress on the shoulder joint and its stabilizing muscles
✅ 💉 Vulnerability and Potential Issues
✔ One of the muscles most prone to inflammation due to heavy and high-pressure movements
✔ Weakness or inflammation in this muscle can lead to shoulder pain, and partial or complete rotator cuff tears
✅ 🏋🏻♂️ Strengthening Exercises for the Subscapularis
1️⃣ Internal Rotation with Resistance Band – one of the best exercises to strengthen this muscle
2️⃣ Isometric Shoulder Exercises – improves shoulder stability
3️⃣ Pressing movements such as bench press and shoulder press – increases muscle strength
4️⃣ Controlled Range of Motion Exercises – helps prevent tendon inflammation
5️⃣ Physiotherapy Exercises – enhances the function of the rotator cuff muscles
✅ 🧘🏻♀️ Stretching and Recovery Movements
✔ Arm across-the-body stretches to improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension
✔ Using a foam roller to enhance blood circulation and reduce inflammation
✅ Fun Fact
✔ The subscapularis is the largest rotator cuff muscle and is the most engaged during rotational and pressing movements.
✅ Practical Tip
✔ Strengthening the subscapularis with light resistance exercises is one of the best ways to prevent injuries and improve shoulder movement control.
🔴 Name and Location: A deep muscle located on the anterior surface of the scapula, and part of the rotator cuff group.
🟠 Anatomy: Originates from the subscapular fossa of the scapula and inserts into the lesser tubercle of the humerus.
🟡 Function:
✔ Internal rotation of the arm
✔ Stabilization of the shoulder during pressing movements
🟢 Physiology: Predominantly composed of slow-twitch fibers for shoulder joint control and endurance.
🔵 Innervation: Subscapular nerve, which controls this muscle.
🟣 Importance: Plays a vital role in pressing and throwing sports, as well as in stabilizing the shoulder joint.
🟤 Exercises: Band internal rotations, physiotherapy exercises, bench press, and shoulder press.
⚫ Fun Fact: The largest rotator cuff muscle, playing a crucial role in shoulder stability and strength.
Muscle training
Pelank is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the body’s muscles, providing an accurate and scientific review of all muscles. Below, you can find muscle groups. By clicking on each muscle group, you will have access to complete information about it, including:
1️⃣ Basic information about the muscle
2️⃣ Muscle anatomy
3️⃣ Muscle physiology
4️⃣ Innervation and blood supply
5️⃣ Importance of the muscle in the body and sports
6️⃣ Strengthening exercises
7️⃣ Scientific and interesting facts
📌 At the end, a summary review of each muscle will be provided.
Body muscles training guide link
🔹 The muscle group engaged in this movement is highlighted in color.
References
Anatomy and medical books :
- Gray’s Anatomy (one of the standard references in anatomy).
- Netter’s Atlas of Human Anatomy (a famous visual atlas in anatomy).
- Clinically Oriented Anatomy by Keith Moore
Sports and training references :
- Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier
- Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by NSCA
- Well-known articles and training programs by international coaches
Medical databases :
- PubMed (for scientific and research articles)
- MedlinePlus (health and medical information)
- WebMD (for practical and general health information)
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