Appears in642 Workouts*

Smith-Machine Standing Shrug

Build bigger traps with Smith-Machine Standing Shrugs! Isolate & strengthen your upper back with controlled, effective reps.

The Smith-Machine Standing Shrug mainly works the traps, with help from the forearms. You'll need: barbell or smith machine.

Smith-Machine Standing Shrug demo video 2
Ms. Grey
JustGains_XX
@JustGains_XX

Required Equipment

Barbell
Barbell
Smith Machine
Smith Machine

Smith-Machine Standing Shrug Muscles Worked

Primary

Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)

Secondary

Forearm Flexor (brachioradialis); Top Forearm (wrist extensors); Inner Forearm (wrist flexors)

How to do the Smith-Machine Standing Shrug

  1. Stand inside a Smith machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.

  2. Grip the barbell with your hands a little wider than shoulder-width, with palms facing you or away from you (depending on preference).

  3. Unlock the bar and hold it at hip level with your arms fully extended.

  4. Keep your back straight and your shoulders relaxed.

  5. Elevate your shoulders as high as possible, shrugging towards your ears.

  6. Squeeze your traps at the top of the movement, holding the contraction for a count.

  7. Slowly lower the shoulders back to the starting position.

  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Remember to avoid using your biceps to lift the weight; the movement should be isolated to the elevation of the shoulders. Also, it's essential to control the weight throughout the movement and to avoid rolling your shoulders, which can lead to injury.

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Smith-Machine Standing Shrug FAQs

What muscles does the Smith-Machine Standing Shrug work?

The Smith-Machine Standing Shrug mainly works the traps, with help from the forearms. The main muscles are the trapezius.

What equipment do you need for the Smith-Machine Standing Shrug?

Barbell or smith machine.

What workout day should the Smith-Machine Standing Shrug go on?

It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.

What are some Smith-Machine Standing Shrug variations and alternatives?

Similar exercises include the Band Shrug, Barbell Behind-Back Shrug, Barbell Decline Shrug and Barbell Overhead Shrug.

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