Smith Machine Upright Row
- Main muscles
- Traps
- Also works
- Biceps, Middle back, Shoulders
- Equipment
- Machine
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Compound · Pull
How to do it
- To begin, set the bar on the smith machine to a height that is around the middle of your thighs. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, grasp the bar using a pronated (palms forward) grip that is shoulder width apart. You may need some wrist wraps if using a significant amount of weight.
- Lift the barbell up and fully extend your arms with your back straight. There should be a slight bend at the elbows. This is the starting position.
- Use your side shoulders to lift the bar as you exhale. The bar should be close to the body as you move it up. Continue to lift it until it nearly touches your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion. As you lift the bar, your elbows should always be higher than your forearms. Also, keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.
- Lower the bar back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
- Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Quick answers
- What muscles does the Smith Machine Upright Row work?
- Mainly the traps, with help from the biceps, middle back, shoulders.
- What equipment do I need?
- Machine.
- Is it good for beginners?
- Yes, it is rated beginner level.
- How do I track progress on it?
- Log each set and beat the weight or reps from last time. Liftrung shows your last set beside the next one and estimates your one-rep max from your sets.
More traps exercises
- Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug
- Leverage Shrug
- Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug
- Barbell Shrug
- Barbell Shrug Behind The Back
- Cable Shrugs
Exercise descriptions: free-exercise-db, public domain.