Back exercise

Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug

TrapsMachineBeginner

The smith machine behind the back shrug is a back exercise that targets the traps with machine. Watch the demo, then follow the step-by-step form guide below.

Looping demonstration — tap play to watch the full movement.

How to do the smith machine behind the back shrug

  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.

Details

Primary muscles
Traps
Secondary muscles
Shoulders
Equipment & classification
MachineLevel: BeginnerForce: PullMechanic: Isolation

Browse all back exercises, see our roundup of the best dumbbell back exercises, or return to the exercise library.

Training for weight loss? Pair your workouts with our free meal plans.

Educational information only — not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain and talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.

Your journey

Your health journey starts here.

Comprehensive telehealth, science-led transformation, and personalised wellness — designed around the medication you're already on.

Start your planSee pricing