Smith Shrug
The Smith Shrug primarily works the Trapezius (Upper), with secondary activation of the Levator Scapulae, Trapezius (Middle) and stabilizer support from the Erector Spinae. It is a smith machine isolation exercise at beginner difficulty.
A smith machine isolation pull exercise targeting the Trapezius (Upper).
| Equipment | Smith Machine |
|---|---|
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Type | Isolation |
| Movement | Isolation |
| Force | Pull |
| Laterality | Bilateral |
| Primary | Trapezius (Upper) |
| Secondary | Levator Scapulae, Trapezius (Middle) |
Muscles Worked
Front
Back
Primary
Secondary
Stabilizer
Primary Muscles
- Primary Muscle Trapezius (Upper) (back)
Secondary Muscles
- Secondary Muscle Levator Scapulae (neck)
- Secondary Muscle Trapezius (Middle) (back)
Stabilizer Muscles
- Stabilizer Muscle Erector Spinae (back)
Instructions
- Preparation: Stand grasping smith bar with shoulder width or slightly wider overhand grip. Disengage bar by rotating bar back. Execution: Elevate shoulders as high as possible. Lower and repeat. Comments: Since this movement becomes more difficult as full shoulder elevation is achieved, height criteria for shoulder elevation may be needed. For example, raising shoulders until slope of shoulders becomes horizontal may be considered adequate depending upon individual body structure and range of motion with lighter weight. Also seeROM CriteriaandShoulder Shrug Errors.
Alternative Exercises
Get this data via the REST API or MCP Server.