Shrugs (Smith Machine)

Form Cues

• Stand upright with the Smith machine bar in front of your thighs, arms fully extended.

• Grip the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width with an overhand grip.

• Shrug your shoulders straight up toward your ears as high as possible.

• Hold the top position for 1-2 seconds and squeeze the traps hard.

• Lower the bar back down with control — do not just drop the weight.

• Keep your arms straight throughout — do not bend the elbows or row the bar.

• Keep your head neutral, avoid jutting the chin forward.

• The Smith machine's fixed path is ideal here — the movement is pure vertical.