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.

Ask any seasoned lifter how to build a bigger upper back, and you’ll hear a range of answers. Powerlifters love heavy lifts. Bodybuilders prioritize high volume. Olympic lifters rely on explosive ...