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Best Advanced Trapezius Workouts With Smith Machine

About

The following workout incorporates the use of a Smith Machine, a piece of gym equipment designed with a barbell fixed to tracks, providing enhanced stability for advanced exercises involving highly skilled techniques and movements.

Such approaches are tailored for individuals with more than four years of experience in weightlifting and include isolating exercises focused on the trapezius—the muscle group spanning the upper back and shoulders.

Performing these workouts on a Smith Machine ensures controlled and targeted exertion, maximizing gains in strength and muscle definition for the traps.

The structured bar path uniquely supports advanced lifters while promoting safe execution of complex exercises.

By integrating these components, the workout emphasizes both effectiveness and progression in physical training.

The 3 Best Advanced Trapezius Exercises with Smith Machine

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Ranked based on Fitbod's internal data set of the most effective exercises. Learn More

  • 1. Smith Machine Shrug

    Smith Machine Shrug demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    276,643
    Trapezius Strength
    96 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Shrug is a shoulder exercise that helps build strength in the trapezius muscles. Using a Smith machine provides stability, allowing you to focus on your form and effectively target the muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart and the Smith machine bar at mid-thigh height.
    2. Grip the bar with your hands shoulder-width apart and keep your arms extended. Bend your knees slightly.
    3. Unhook the bar and engage your core to keep a straight back.
    4. Lift your shoulders up towards your ears while keeping your chest out.
    5. Lower your shoulders back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    95lbs
    2
    8reps
    95lbs
    3
    8reps
    95lbs
  • 2. Smith Machine Upright Row

    Smith Machine Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    196,556
    Trapezius Strength
    7 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Upright Row is an exercise that strengthens your shoulders and upper body. Using the Smith Machine helps you maintain good form and reduce the risk of injury.

    How to do it

    1. Stand upright with your feet shoulder-width apart.
    2. Grip the Smith Machine bar with extended arms, resting it on your thighs.
    3. Keep the bar close to your body and lift it by bending your elbows toward the ceiling.
    4. Maintain a neutral spine during the movement.
    5. Lift the bar to chest height, then lower it back to your thighs.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    65lbs
    2
    8reps
    65lbs
    3
    8reps
    65lbs
  • 3. Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug

    Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    127,074
    Trapezius Strength
    94 mScore
    Trapezius
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Behind the Back Shrug is an exercise that targets the upper traps and rear deltoids by using a barbell positioned behind your body. It helps improve shoulder strength while providing stability to lift heavier weights safely.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and set the bar on the Smith machine at mid-thigh height.
    2. Reach behind you to grab the bar with both hands, keeping your arms straight and palms facing behind you.
    3. Unhook the bar and stand up straight while tightening your core to maintain good posture.
    4. Lift your shoulders towards your ears, keeping your chest up and shoulders back.
    5. Lower your shoulders back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    85lbs
    2
    8reps
    85lbs
    3
    8reps
    85lbs