Dumbbell Shrug vs Smith Machine Shrug
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shrug more often — 1,094 sessions vs 228. Compare Shoulder form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Shrug and Smith Machine Shrug and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Dumbbell Shrug vs Smith Machine Shrug: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Shrug more often — 1,094 sessions compared to 228 for Smith Machine Shrug.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Shrug 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 Dumbbell Shrug and Smith Machine Shrug Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Shrug | Smith Machine Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,094 sessions | 228 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Shrug
Dumbbell Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell while shrugging your shoulders.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the dumbbells, do not just drop them; lower them slowly.
- 2. Please ensure that your neck does not protrude excessively forward.
For a full Dumbbell Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Shrug 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, Dumbbell Shrug or Smith Machine Shrug?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Shrug more often — 1,094 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.
What equipment do Dumbbell Shrug and Smith Machine Shrug need?
Dumbbell Shrug needs a dumbbell, and Smith Machine Shrug needs a machine.
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