Shoulders · Machine

Smith Machine Upright Row

Locked bar path for clean delt and trap pulls.

Smith Machine Upright Row exercise demonstration
ShouldersSecondary: Traps, BicepsMachine

How to do it

  1. Stand close to the Smith bar and grip it with hands shoulder-width apart.
  2. Unrack and let the bar hang at your thighs.
  3. Pull the bar straight up toward your collarbone, elbows leading high.
  4. Lower it back down slowly.

The one cue that matters

Keep the bar close to your body and stop at chest height. Going too high can pinch the shoulder.

Muscles worked

The Smith Machine Upright Row is a Shoulders-first movement, with Traps, Biceps working as the supporting cast. Track it consistently and you'll see exactly how it feeds your shoulders volume for the week.

FAQ

What muscles does the Smith Machine Upright Row work?

The Smith Machine Upright Row primarily works the Shoulders with Traps, Biceps assisting.

How heavy should I go?

Pick a weight where you finish each set with 1 to 2 clean reps left in the tank. Own the top of your rep range before adding weight.

How many sets and reps of Smith Machine Upright Row?

For most lifters 3 to 4 working sets. Pick the rep range that fits your goal and progress the load when the top of the range feels owned.

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