Barbell Shrug vs Smith Machine Overhead Press

Maximizing Your Shoulder Workout Plan

Feb 22, 2025

Contents

Choosing between Barbell Shrug and Smith Machine Overhead Press for your shoulder workout plan? Pondering which brings better results or when to slot each into your schedule for the utmost benefit?

Customize Your Shoulder Workout: Explore the Benefits of Barbell Shrug and Smith Machine Overhead Press for Better Comparison.

Planfit Users' Choice about Barbell Shrug vs Smith Machine Overhead Press : Which is Better?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users seem to prefer Barbell Shrug with a total of 683 compared to 13111 for Smith Machine Overhead Press

However, this is just a matter of preference for the majority. If you are wondering which of the two exercises to do right away, please read the text below. Compare the pros and cons of each exercise and choose the one that suits you better to proceed with.

How to Barbell Shrug

Barbell Shrug gif

Barbell Shrug muscles worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Without changing the position of your arms or your back, slowly lift your shoulders up towards your ears.
  2. 2. Hold at the top for a moment before slowly lowering your shoulders back to the starting position.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Make sure to keep your back flat and your core engaged throughout the exercise.
  2. 2. Don't roll your shoulders as you lift, keep them in a neutral position.
  3. 3. Don't use momentum to lift the weight, use a slow and controlled movement.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Barbell Shrug, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Barbell Shrug Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Barbell Shrug methods?

How to Smith Machine Overhead Press

Smith Machine Overhead Press gif

Smith Machine Overhead Press muscles worked: Shoulder

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lower the barbell down to the top of your shoulders.
  2. 2. Push the barbell back up to the starting position, keeping your arms straight and your elbows slightly bent.
  3. 3. Squeeze your shoulder blades together as you press the barbell up.
  4. 4. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Coach's Comment

  1. 1. Make sure to keep your core tight and your back straight throughout the exercise.
  2. 2. Do not arch your back or lean back as you press the barbell up.
  3. 3. Do not lock your elbows out at the top of the movement.
  4. 4. Do not allow the barbell to drop down too quickly as you lower it.

If you want to know a detailed guide to Smith Machine Overhead Press, alternative exercises, and its benefits, check it out here. Check out the Smith Machine Overhead Press Guide page of our blog!

Do you want to know more about Smith Machine Overhead Press methods?

Get free AI personalized workout plan

Choosing exercises that align with your goals and body type is as important as consistency in your workout regime. Its about smart training that targets your specific fitness aspirations.

To create a routine that incorporates the right exercises for you, explore our [workout generator] It’s a straightforward way to customize a workout plan to meet your unique needs and objectives, ensuring every effort contributes to your fitness journey.

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