Smith Machine Shrugs
Quick answer
Smith Machine Shrugs is a beginner isolation Smith machine exercise that mainly works the traps.
Written by the GymStreak coaching team
Muscles worked
Primary
How to do Smith Machine Shrugs
- 1
Stand up straight, holding a barbell in your arms with an overhand grip and your palms facing backward. Your hands should be shoulder width apart on the barbell. This is your starting position.
- 2
Raise your shoulders up, focusing on contracting your traps and trying to touch your shoulders to your ears.
- 3
At the top of the movement, hold the contraction for a full second before slowly returning to the starting position.
Form cues
- Perform the reps slowly and in a controlled manner. Rushing this exercise can lead to injury.
- Look up slightly when doing this exercise to enhance the trap contraction.
- Avoid using bouncing or swinging motions as you lift the weight.
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