Smith Machine Shrug vs Pike Push Up
Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan
Contents
Smith Machine Shrug and Pike Push Up are close in use — 231 vs 228 sessions logged. What separates them is Shoulder loading and form.
Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Smith Machine Shrug and Pike Push Up for Better Comparison.
Planfit Users' Choice about Smith Machine Shrug vs Pike Push Up : Which is Better?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Pike Push Up more often — 231 sessions compared to 228 for Smith Machine Shrug.
Popularity is not the whole answer. Smith Machine Shrug and Pike Push Up differ in the muscles they load, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Smith Machine Shrug and Pike Push Up Differ
| What differs | Smith Machine Shrug | Pike Push Up |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | traps | front delts, chest, and triceps |
| Equipment | a machine | bodyweight only |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 228 sessions | 231 sessions |
How to 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 Comment
- 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.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Smith Machine Shrug, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Smith Machine Shrug Guide page of our blog!
How to Pike Push Up
Pike Push Up muscles worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lower yourself slowly until your head touches the floor.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Comment
- 1. This is a more advanced exercise than a regular push-up. If you overexert yourself, it can put strain on your neck or the front of your shoulders.
- 2. Be careful not to excessively arch your lower back or bend your neck during the movement. If the exercise is too difficult, keep your feet on the floor or substitute with another shoulder exercise.
If you want to know a detailed guide to Pike Push Up, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Pike Push Up Guide page of our blog!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Smith Machine Shrug or Pike Push Up?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Smith Machine Shrug and Pike Push Up work the same muscles?
Not quite. Smith Machine Shrug loads traps, and Pike Push Up loads front delts, chest, and triceps.
What equipment do Smith Machine Shrug and Pike Push Up need?
Smith Machine Shrug needs a machine, and Pike Push Up needs bodyweight only.
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