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Best Beginner Workouts With Smith Machine To Get Lean And Burn Fat

About

Smith Machines are equipped with a barbell fixed to vertical tracks, allowing for variations of standard barbell movements with added stability for safe execution.

This workout emphasizes maintaining an elevated heart rate and incorporating resistance training to enhance calorie burn while preserving muscle mass, promoting a toned and lean physique.

Designed for beginners, these exercises use straightforward equipment and prioritize proper form, reducing injury risk for individuals with less than a year of training experience.

Adjustments to weight and repetitions accommodate diverse fitness levels, ensuring challenging yet achievable goals for all participants.

By integrating stability and technique-focused training, this approach offers an effective pathway to improve overall fitness.

The 15 Best Beginner Exercises with Smith Machine to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Ranked By

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

  • 1. Smith Machine Squat

    Smith Machine Squat demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    848,693
    Quadriceps Strength
    93 mScore
    Quadriceps
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Squat is a beginner-friendly exercise that focuses on building strength in your thighs. The Smith Machine provides stability, helping you learn proper squat form while targeting your lower body muscles.

    How to do it

    1. Set the Smith machine bar just below shoulder height and grip it outside shoulder-width.
    2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and tighten your core for stability.
    3. Position yourself under the bar and unhook it by squatting down slightly.
    4. Stand up straight with the bar on your upper back.
    5. Squat down by pushing your hips back and keeping your chest upright.
    6. Ensure your knees move slightly outward as you lower down to parallel or just below it.
    7. Push back up to the starting position to complete the squat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 2. Inverted Row

    Inverted Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    318,451
    Back Strength
    85 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Barbells
    Barbells
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Inverted Row is a bodyweight exercise that strengthens your back while keeping your spine straight. It’s similar to a standard row but allows you to use your own body weight for added stability and support.

    How to do it

    1. Set a barbell at waist height.
    2. Grab the bar with both hands, slightly wider than your shoulders.
    3. Lie under the bar, keeping your body straight from your heels to your shoulders.
    4. Lift your body by bending your elbows and pulling your chest towards the bar.
    5. Lower yourself back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    7reps
    2
    7reps
    3
    7reps
  • 3. Smith Machine Bench Press

    Smith Machine Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    922,042
    Chest Strength
    66 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Smith Machine Bench Press is a chest exercise that works your triceps and shoulders too. The Smith Machine helps keep the movement steady, making it easier to focus on properly performing the exercise.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on your back on a bench with your shoulder blades squeezed together.
    2. Make sure your head, shoulders, and butt stay on the bench.
    3. Place your feet flat on the ground and keep your knees bent.
    4. Position the bar over your chest, holding it just outside shoulder-width with an overhand grip.
    5. Engage your core and unhook the bar, lowering it slowly towards your chest while keeping your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    6. Touch your chest gently with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    45lbs
    2
    8reps
    45lbs
    3
    8reps
    45lbs
  • 4. Smith Machine Bent Over Row

    Smith Machine Bent Over Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    865,614
    Back Strength
    87 mScore
    Back
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Bent Over Row is an exercise that targets the back muscles using a Smith Machine for added stability. It helps beginners improve their form and strength while performing the row movement.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and bar at knee height.
    2. Engage your core and hinge at your hips while bending your knees to reach for the bar.
    3. Grab the bar with palms facing you.
    4. Lift the bar by bending your elbows to bring it to your belly button level.
    5. Lower the bar back to knee height and repeat.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 5. Smith Machine Incline Bench Press

    Smith Machine Incline Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    747,394
    Chest Strength
    92 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Incline Bench Press is a chest exercise that targets the chest, shoulders, and triceps. It offers stability, making it ideal for beginners who want to focus on their form and strength without worrying about balance.

    How to do it

    1. Set the bench at a 40-60 degree incline and lie back, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    2. Plant your feet firmly on the ground beneath your knees and keep your back in contact with the bench.
    3. Position the Smith machine bar over your chest with a shoulder-width grip and keep your core tight.
    4. Unhook the bar and lower it towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Touch the bar gently to your chest, then press it back up to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 6. Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press

    Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    318,975
    Shoulders Strength
    77 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press is a safe way to work your shoulder muscles. This exercise uses a Smith Machine for better control and stability while pressing the bar overhead.

    How to do it

    1. Set the Smith Machine bar at shoulder height.
    2. Sit under the bar with it at chest level.
    3. Position your elbows under the bar and palms facing up, then stand up to lift the bar.
    4. Engage your core and press the bar straight up until your arms are fully extended above your head.
    5. Lower the bar back to the starting position at chest level.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    35lbs
    2
    8reps
    35lbs
    3
    8reps
    35lbs
  • 7. Smith Machine Hip Raise

    Smith Machine Hip Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    36,126
    Glutes Strength
    53 mScore
    Glutes
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Hip Raise is a glute and hamstring exercise that uses a Smith Machine for better stability. This exercise helps you focus on strengthening your glutes while minimizing the risk of losing balance.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on a bench under the Smith Machine bar.
    2. Position your feet shoulder-width apart on the bar, knees bent toward your chest.
    3. Engage your core and keep your spine straight before lifting the bar by extending your legs down.
    4. Raise your pelvis towards your rib cage until your lower back lifts off the bench.
    5. Lower back to the starting position.
  • 8. Smith Machine Decline Press

    Smith Machine Decline Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    121,517
    Chest Strength
    87 mScore
    Chest
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Decline Bench
    Decline Bench

    The Smith Machine Decline Press is a safe exercise that strengthens the lower chest, shoulders, and triceps. It offers stability and support, making it ideal for beginners to practice proper form during their workouts.

    How to do it

    1. Lie back on a decline bench, squeezing your shoulder blades together and securing your legs to the bench.
    2. Keep your head, shoulders, and butt in contact with the bench at all times.
    3. Position the Smith Machine bar over your lower chest and grip it shoulder-width with an overhand grip.
    4. Brace your core, unhook the bar, and lower it towards your chest by bending your elbows at a 45-degree angle.
    5. Lightly touch your chest with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 9. Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row

    Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    86,130
    Shoulders Strength
    89 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row is a shoulder exercise that uses one arm at a time for added challenge. It helps build shoulder strength while ensuring you balance strength between both sides.

    How to do it

    1. Stand upright and grab the bar of the Smith machine with your right arm, just outside your shoulder, resting it on your thighs.
    2. Unhook the bar and pull it up towards your chest by bending your right elbow.
    3. Keep your back straight and lower the bar back to your thighs after reaching chest height. Repeat on the left side.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    17.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    17.5lbs
  • 10. Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift

    Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    481,043
    Hamstrings Strength
    89 mScore
    Hamstrings
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Stiff-Legged Deadlift is a beginner-friendly variation of the Romanian Deadlift that works your glutes and hamstrings. Using the Smith Machine provides stability, allowing you to focus on proper form as you lift the bar.

    How to do it

    1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart behind the machine bar.
    2. Hinge at your hips and lean forward to grab the bar with palms facing you, resting it against your shins.
    3. Keep your hips high and bend your knees slightly, straightening your back by pulling your shoulders back.
    4. Engage your glutes and hamstrings to lift the bar in a straight line, keeping it close to your shins.
    5. Maintain a strong core and straight lower back throughout the lift.
    6. Pause briefly at the top, then lower the bar back to the ground.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs
  • 11. Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press

    Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    281,862
    Triceps Strength
    64 mScore
    Triceps
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine
    Photo of Flat Bench
    Flat Bench

    The Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press is a safe way to strengthen your triceps, chest, and shoulders. This exercise focuses on your triceps, helping to build arm strength and muscle definition, making it great for beginners and experienced lifters alike.

    How to do it

    1. Lie on a bench and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Keep your heels flat on the floor.
    2. Ensure the bench touches your head, shoulders, and butt throughout the exercise.
    3. Position the Smith Machine bar over your lower chest and grip it with your hands directly above your shoulders.
    4. Brace your core, unhook the bar, and lower it to your chest by bending your elbows.
    5. Gently touch your chest with the bar, then exhale and push it back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 12. 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
    40lbs
    2
    8reps
    40lbs
    3
    8reps
    40lbs
  • 13. 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
    50lbs
    2
    8reps
    50lbs
    3
    8reps
    50lbs
  • 14. Smith Machine Calf Raise

    Smith Machine Calf Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    410,876
    Calves Strength
    91 mScore
    Calves
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Calf Raise is a strength exercise that targets the calves using a Smith Machine. It allows you to lift more weight than just your bodyweight by providing stability and support during the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Set the Smith Machine bar just below shoulder height.
    2. Position yourself in a quarter squat under the bar, resting it below your neck.
    3. Lift the bar off the hook and stand up straight.
    4. Stand with feet hip-width apart and slightly angled out.
    5. Raise your heels off the ground by extending your ankles.
    6. Make sure to keep your hips aligned under your shoulders as you fully extend your ankles before lowering back down.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    80lbs
    2
    8reps
    80lbs
    3
    8reps
    80lbs
  • 15. Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises

    Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raises demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    26,522
    Calves Strength
    79 mScore
    Calves
    Photo of Smith Machine
    Smith Machine

    The Smith Machine Reverse Calf Raise targets your calf muscles and helps improve strength and muscle growth. By standing on a raised surface, you can move your ankles through a larger range of motion.

    How to do it

    1. Set the Smith machine bar just below shoulder height.
    2. Stand on a platform with heels hanging off the edge.
    3. Rest the bar on the back of your neck and stand upright.
    4. Lift your toes towards your shins by flexing your ankles.
    5. Keep your hips aligned under your shoulders and return to the starting position.

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Beginner Workouts to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Workouts with Smith Machine to Get Lean and Burn Fat

Alternative Beginner Workouts with Smith Machine