Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug

A beginner strength exercise for the back and shoulders, done with a gym machine.

Movement guide

Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug

Demand · source-assignedEasy (unreviewed)

Equipment requiredStrength machine

Muscle focusBack · Shoulders

Gets into position, then repeats the movement. Technical checks passed; qualified exercise review is pending.

Watch it bigger, and flip through similar moves, in the studio.Open in the studio

Make it easier or harder

Start where you can move well, then step up.

Easier option

This is already one of the gentlest options for these muscles.

This move

Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSmith Machine Behind the Back ShrugBeginner · Strength machine

Beginner grade (source-assigned).

Harder option

Snatch Shrug demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoSnatch ShrugIntermediate · A barbell

Similar move, intermediate grade.

Imported reference · editorial review pending. Clinical review is pending.

This entry comes from an external exercise database. Its instructions and difficulty have not completed our editorial or qualified clinical review.

How to move

With the bar at thigh level, load an appropriate weight.
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.
Initiate the movement by shrugging your shoulders straight up. Do not flex the arms or wrist during the movement.
After a brief pause return the weight to the starting position.

Practice and cautions

No dose has been assigned. Any timing or repetition examples in the imported instructions are source examples, not an individualized recommendation.

Imported community instructions and difficulty labels have not been independently reviewed for technique or individual suitability. Equipment labels may include additions inferred from the setup text; check the instructions for the exact support or alternatives. Stop for sharp or increasing pain, numbness or tingling; seek qualified guidance for symptoms, unfamiliar equipment or advanced skills.

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Sources and review status

Sources support the educational description; they do not establish that this exercise is suitable for you.

Free Exercise DB · community text ↗
Unlicense · Free Exercise DB contributors; derived from wrkout/exercises.json. Text import; no photographs or media. · Revision f00c92c7dcf1216a928a52c3706c7ce8e2f71ed5

No variation is labeled clinically validated.

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What it works

Muscles

Main: Back. Also: Shoulders.

Equipment

Strength machine

Level

Beginner (source-assigned, not yet reviewed). See the easier and harder options above.

Similar moves

Clean Shrug demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoClean ShrugBeginner · A barbell

Barbell Shrug demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell ShrugBeginner · A barbell

Barbell Shrug Behind The Back demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoBarbell Shrug Behind The BackBeginner · A barbell

Calf-Machine Shoulder Shrug demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoCalf-Machine Shoulder ShrugBeginner · Strength machine

Leverage Shrug demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoLeverage ShrugBeginner · Strength machine

Middle Back Shrug demonstrated on the 3D figure

3D demoMiddle Back ShrugIntermediate · A dumbbell + A bench or box

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Questions people ask

What muscles does the Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug work?

Mainly the back, with help from the shoulders.

What equipment do I need for the Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug?

Strength machine.

Is the Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug good for beginners?

It is graded beginner, so it suits most people starting out. The grade comes from the source database and has not been independently reviewed. When it feels easy, try the Snatch Shrug.

How do I make the Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug harder?

Progress to the Snatch Shrug, or add load, range or slower lowering once your form is solid.