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Best Shoulders Workouts With Weight Machines For Women

About

This workout focuses on strengthening the deltoids, which are muscles around the shoulder that control movement and participate in many upper body actions.

Targeted exercises, such as overhead presses and lateral raises, are performed using weight machines to ensure stability and correct motion paths.

Weight machines are ideal for beginners to master movement patterns securely, or for advanced practitioners to amplify effort while minimizing stabilizer stress.

Repetitions and weights have been tailored for individuals averaging 5’5” in height, 140lbs in weight, and aged 34 years, acknowledging individual variability in fitness levels to cater to personal progress effectively.

The 5 Best Shoulders Exercises with Weight Machines for Women

Ranked By

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

  • 1. Machine Lateral Raise

    Machine Lateral Raise demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    561,098
    Shoulders Strength
    92 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Shoulder Shrug Machine
    Shoulder Shrug Machine

    The Machine Lateral Raise is a shoulder exercise done on a machine that provides support and stability. It helps you focus on strengthening your shoulders in a controlled way.

    How to do it

    1. Sit facing the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
    2. Keep your chest up and back straight.
    3. Lift your arms out to the side until they are level with the floor.
    4. Pause briefly, then lower your arms back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs
  • 2. Machine Shoulder Press

    Machine Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    1,196,498
    Shoulders Strength
    94 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Shoulder Press Machine
    Shoulder Press Machine

    The Machine Shoulder Press is a safe and effective exercise that targets your shoulders using a machine. It helps you build strength while providing stability, making it ideal for beginners to learn the movement.

    How to do it

    1. Sit upright in the shoulder press machine with your back against the pad.
    2. Squeeze your shoulder blades together and keep your heels on the ground.
    3. Grip the handles with an overhand grip just outside shoulder-width.
    4. Brace your core and push the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended.
    5. Lower the handles back to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 3. 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
    15lbs
    2
    8reps
    15lbs
    3
    8reps
    15lbs
  • 4. 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
    25lbs
    2
    8reps
    25lbs
    3
    8reps
    25lbs
  • 5. Machine Reverse Fly

    Machine Reverse Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise.
    SETS LOGGED
    337,277
    Shoulders Strength
    81 mScore
    Shoulders
    Photo of Fly Machine
    Fly Machine

    The Machine Reverse Fly exercise targets your shoulders, focusing on the back of your shoulder. Using a machine makes it easier to control the motion and provides a stable, comfortable position.

    How to do it

    1. Sit facing the machine with the seat adjusted so you can hold the handles at shoulder height.
    2. Push the handles apart until your arms are straight out to the sides.
    3. Slowly return to the starting position.
    Sets, Reps, Weight
    1
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    2
    8reps
    22.5lbs
    3
    8reps
    22.5lbs

Alternative Workouts

Alternative Shoulders Workouts with Weight Machines

Alternative Shoulders Workouts for Women

Alternative Workouts with Weight Machines for Women