Traps · Smith Machine

Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug

An isolation movement that trains your traps, done with a smith machine. Your shoulders help out.

Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug, starting positionSmith Machine Behind the Back Shrug, end position

Muscles you'll work

Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug muscles worked, front viewSmith Machine Behind the Back Shrug muscles worked, back view
TrapsPrimaryShouldersSecondary

How to do it

  1. With the bar at thigh level, load an appropriate weight.
  2. Stand with the bar behind you, taking a shoulder-width, pronated grip on the bar and unhook the weight. You should be standing up straight with your head and chest up and your arms extended. This will be your starting position.
  3. Initiate the movement by shrugging your shoulders straight up. Do not flex the arms or wrist during the movement.
  4. After a brief pause return the weight to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before engaging the hooks to rack the weight.

More trap exercises

Smith Machine Upright RowBarbell ShrugCable ShrugsDeadlift High Pull
EquipmentSmith Machine
TypeIsolation
Push or pullPull
LevelBeginner

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