Exercise guide

Smith Machine Shrug

The Smith Machine Shrug targets the upper trapezius by elevating the shoulders under guided bar resistance.

Category
Strength
Difficulty
Beginner
Movement
Compound
Bodyweight
No
How to

How to do the Smith Machine Shrug

  1. 01

    Stand upright under the Smith machine bar with the bar positioned at thigh level.

  2. 02

    Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder width.

  3. 03

    Keep your arms straight and core braced.

  4. 04

    Lift your shoulders straight upward toward your ears.

  5. 05

    Pause briefly at the top.

  6. 06

    Lower your shoulders slowly back to the starting position.

Performance tips

Cues that matter

  • Move only at the shoulders
  • Avoid rolling your shoulders forward or backward
  • Control the lowering phase to maintain tension
Equipment

What you need

Common questions

Frequently asked

What muscles does the Smith Machine Shrug work?

The Smith Machine Shrug primarily targets the Shoulders. Supporting muscles include Triceps, Back.

Is the Smith Machine Shrug a compound or isolation exercise?

The Smith Machine Shrug is a compound exercise, meaning it works multiple muscle groups and joints in a single movement.

What equipment do I need for the Smith Machine Shrug?

You need the following equipment: Smith Machine.

What difficulty level is the Smith Machine Shrug?

The Smith Machine Shrug is rated as beginner difficulty. It is suitable for those new to resistance training.

The adaptive health app

Bring training, nutrition, and recovery into one system.

Sculpt synthesizes every input from your body and your training, then builds the plan. No spreadsheets. No guessing.