Exercise guide
Smith Machine Shoulder Press.
- Equipment
- Machine
- Movement
- Compound
- Level
- Beginner
Muscles at work
Make every rep count.
- 01
Set an adjustable bench inside the Smith machine and bring the backrest to 90° so you’re sitting tall with your head, upper back, and glutes supported.
- 02
Set the bar height to about eye level when seated, then load the weight evenly on both sides.
- 03
Sit under the bar and grab it just outside shoulder-width with an overhand (pronated) grip. Wrists stacked over elbows, forearms mostly vertical.
- 04
Unrack the bar and start with your elbows bent around 90° (or slightly lower if comfortable), keeping your ribs down and core braced.
- 05
Press straight up by driving your elbows under the bar until your arms are extended overhead—don’t shrug hard; keep shoulders controlled.
- 06
Lower the bar slowly back to the start with control, stopping when your upper arms are about parallel to the floor (or a touch below if your shoulders tolerate it).
- 07
Repeat for your reps, maintaining a steady tempo and keeping your lower back from arching.





