What is the action of the lower trapezius?
The lower trapezius works as a feedforward muscle prior to abduction to contract, and ‘hold’ the scapula steady to counteract the downward rotation ‘drag’ effect. It therefore neutralizes the scapula at the start of abduction.
What movements work your traps?
Easy Exercises to Develop Your Lower Trapezius
- Rear delt cable raise.
- Rope rear delt pull.
- Overhead farmer’s walk.
- Chin-up.
- High pulley cable row.
- Y raise.
What do your traps do?
The trapezius, commonly referred to as the traps, are responsible for pulling your shoulders up, as in shrugging, and pulling your shoulders back during scapular retraction.
What exercises work the lower traps?
How do you know if you have a weak trap?
If your low trap is weak you will probably have rounded shoulders or winging of the shoulder blade or both. This is actually really common because so much of what we do hunches our bodies forward such as sitting at a computer, sitting on the couch, lying on our side at night in bed, and so on.
Where is the lower trapezius?
The lower trapezius is located just below the upper trapezius, that one muscle that is always tense and has knots galore on your upper back. The lower trapezius is connected to the thoracic spine and the spine of the scapula (aka shoulder blade).
How is manual muscle testing for lower trapezius done?
ANATOMY Manual Muscle Testing Lower Trapezius Patient: prone Fixation: place on hand below the scapula on the opposite side Test: adduction and depression of the scapula with lateral rotation of the inferior angle. The arm is placed diagonally overhead (in “Y” position), in line with the lower fibers of the trapezius.
Why are lower traps important to the upper body?
The lower traps are easily one of the most important muscle groups of the entire upper body. They play a critical role in stabilizing the scapulae and allowing you to build upper body muscle mass and strength. If you want to maximize your long-term progress then you must start using the most effective lower trap exercises!
Is the lower trapezius the same as the middle trap?
The lower traps, much like the middle traps, is an oft-ignored muscle. Most people don’t even know it exists, thinking the upper traps make up the entire trapezius muscle…
What’s the first step to performing lower trap exercises?
The first step to performing this exercise is to pull your working shoulder blade back. You should feel like you are trying to pinch your shoulder blades together. This first step is extremely important for activating the lower traps and is clearly demonstrated in both of the above videos.