Barbell Upright Row vs Smith Machine Shrug
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,260 sessions vs 228. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Barbell Upright Row and Smith Machine Shrug and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Barbell Upright Row vs Smith Machine Shrug: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,260 sessions compared to 228 for Smith Machine Shrug.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Barbell Upright Row and Smith Machine Shrug differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Barbell Upright Row and Smith Machine Shrug Differ
| What differs | Barbell Upright Row | Smith Machine Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | side delts and traps | traps |
| Equipment | a barbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 4,260 sessions | 228 sessions |
How to Do Barbell Upright Row
Barbell Upright Row Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the barbell to shoulder height while keeping it close to your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- Since this exercise can put strain on the shoulders, please substitute it with another exercise if you hear any sounds or feel pain in your shoulders.
For a full Barbell Upright Row guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Barbell Upright Row exercise guide.
How to Do Smith Machine Shrug
Smith Machine Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please shrug your shoulders and lift the barbell.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the barbell, it should be done slowly rather than just dropping it.
- 2. Please ensure that the neck does not extend excessively forward.
For a full Smith Machine Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Smith Machine Shrug exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Barbell Upright Row or Smith Machine Shrug?
Planfit users log Barbell Upright Row more often — 4,260 sessions against 228 for Smith Machine Shrug. Both train Shoulder, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Barbell Upright Row and Smith Machine Shrug work the same muscles?
Not quite. Barbell Upright Row loads side delts and traps, and Smith Machine Shrug loads traps.
What equipment do Barbell Upright Row and Smith Machine Shrug need?
Barbell Upright Row needs a barbell, and Smith Machine Shrug needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Barbell Upright Row is the easier place to start. Move to Smith Machine Shrug once your form holds up.
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