Best Shoulders Workouts With Weight Machines To Build Strength
About
Weight machines are effective tools designed to target specific movements, providing stability and controlled motion for users.
This makes them particularly suitable for beginners to safely engage in exercises, focusing on proper movement patterns and developing effective habits.
Workouts emphasizing strength typically incorporate compound and isolation exercises programmed with higher weights and lower repetitions to build maximum power.
To target the shoulders, exercises such as overhead presses and straight-arm raises are included, as these engage the deltoids—muscles essential for upper body mobility and strength.
Each exercise should be performed with respect to individual capacities, ensuring safe and productive training outcomes for various experience levels and physical profiles.
Workout 1
Shoulders

Machine Lateral Raise
16reps45lbs26reps45lbs36reps45lbs46reps45lbs56reps45lbs
Machine Shoulder Press
18reps55lbs28reps55lbs38reps55lbs
Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row
110reps30lbs210reps30lbs310reps30lbs
Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press
112reps55lbs212reps55lbs
Machine Reverse Fly
112reps30lbs212reps30lbs312reps30lbs
The 5 Best Shoulders Exercises with Weight Machines to Build Strength
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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 LOGGED561,098Shoulders Strength92 mScoreShoulders
Shoulder Shrug MachineThe 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
- Sit facing the machine with your arms resting on the pads.
- Keep your chest up and back straight.
- Lift your arms out to the side until they are level with the floor.
- Pause briefly, then lower your arms back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps35lbs28reps35lbs38reps35lbs2. Machine Shoulder Press
Machine Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED1,196,498Shoulders Strength94 mScoreShoulders
Shoulder Press MachineThe 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
- Sit upright in the shoulder press machine with your back against the pad.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together and keep your heels on the ground.
- Grip the handles with an overhand grip just outside shoulder-width.
- Brace your core and push the handles overhead until your arms are fully extended.
- Lower the handles back to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs3. Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row
Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED86,130Shoulders Strength89 mScoreShoulders
Smith MachineThe 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
- Stand upright and grab the bar of the Smith machine with your right arm, just outside your shoulder, resting it on your thighs.
- Unhook the bar and pull it up towards your chest by bending your right elbow.
- Keep your back straight and lower the bar back to your thighs after reaching chest height. Repeat on the left side.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps22.5lbs28reps22.5lbs38reps22.5lbs4. Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press
Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED318,975Shoulders Strength77 mScoreShoulders
Smith MachineThe 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
- Set the Smith Machine bar at shoulder height.
- Sit under the bar with it at chest level.
- Position your elbows under the bar and palms facing up, then stand up to lift the bar.
- Engage your core and press the bar straight up until your arms are fully extended above your head.
- Lower the bar back to the starting position at chest level.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps45lbs28reps45lbs38reps45lbs5. Machine Reverse Fly
Machine Reverse Fly demonstration video — proper form for this exercise. SETS LOGGED337,277Shoulders Strength81 mScoreShoulders
Fly MachineThe 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
- Sit facing the machine with the seat adjusted so you can hold the handles at shoulder height.
- Push the handles apart until your arms are straight out to the sides.
- Slowly return to the starting position.
Sets, Reps, Weight18reps40lbs28reps40lbs38reps40lbs
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