The Trapezius muscles begin at the middle-back, and extend to the top of the shoulder blade.

The traps have 3 major functions:

• Scapular Elevation
  Shrugging the shoulders up.
• Scapular Retraction
  Pulling the shoulder blades together
• Scapular Depression
  Pulling the shoulders down.

The traps can be trained in isolation, using movements that mimic the functions described. They are also recruited as a supporting muscle in many compound exercises such as the Deadlift, Row, Dips, and many others.