Middle Back Shrug

Strength · Dumbbells · Intermediate

How to do it

Lie facedown on an incline bench while holding a dumbbell in each hand. Your arms should be fully extended hanging down and pointing towards the floor. The palms of your hands should be facing each other. This will be your starting position.
As you exhale, squeeze your shoulder blades together and hold the contraction for a full second. Tip: This movement is just like the reverse action of a hug, or trying to perform rear laterals as if you had no arms.
As you inhale go back to the starting position.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

Works

Middle back

When to stop

Stop and rest if you feel chest pain or pressure, are more short of breath than you'd expect, feel dizzy or faint, or have sudden pain. If chest pain or faintness doesn't pass when you rest, call 911.

Photos and steps from free-exercise-db (public domain). Back to your plan