Self-Selecting

E. 162 Why Your Traps Keep Growing (The Real Problem Isn’t Genetics)


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In this episode, I break down why so many people struggle to actually target the muscles they’re trying to grow—and why poor scapular stability is often the real issue behind trap dominance, neck tension, and upper body imbalances. I explain how instability at the scapula changes muscle recruitment patterns, why many rear delt and shoulder exercises unintentionally become trap exercises, and how improving scapular control can completely change your upper body development. We also cover common misconceptions around trap growth, overhead pressing mechanics, warm-up strategies, and why most people are searching for quick fixes instead of addressing the real problem.



Timestamps:


- [00:00 – 04:49] – Why trap dominance happens and how scapular stability affects upper body training.

- [04:50 – 07:10] – Scapular movement explained and why instability changes muscle recruitment.

- [07:11 – 09:44] – Trap growth misinformation, PED myths, and why genetics aren’t the full story.

- [09:45 – 14:59] – The real issue: scapular instability, elevation vs depression, and compensation patterns.

- [15:00 – 17:44] – The biggest mistakes during lateral raises and rear delt flies that overgrow traps.

- [17:45 – 23:55] – Overhead pressing, neurotoxins/Botox for traps, injury risks, and muscle recruitment.

- [23:56 – 26:44] – Why people want quick fixes instead of improving scapular control and movement quality.

- [26:45 – 33:26] – Warm-ups, mobility drills, scapular holds, and stability exercises that actually help.

- [33:27 – 38:19] – Windmills, shoulder stability progressions, and exposing upper body weaknesses safely.

- [38:20 – 41:20] – Exercise order, movement prep before compounds, and how to improve upper body targeting long term.



Links & Resources:



Purchase The Complete Fat Loss Guide: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-fat-loss-guide/



Purchase The Glute Building Blueprint: https://coryfit.com/product/the-complete-glute-building-program/



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Self-SelectingBy Cory Hageman

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