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Exercise Guide
How to do smit-machine standing shoulder press
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The Smith machine standing shoulder press is a strength-building exercise that focuses on the deltoids and triceps. The guided barbell path provides a stable environment to move heavy loads safely while standing, which also engages the core for stabilization. It is an effective way to overload the shoulders and improve overhead pressing power without the balance requirements of a free-standing barbell press.
Stats
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Smith Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Front Shoulder, Lateral Shoulder, Rear Shoulder, Triceps
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Bar Height: Set the bar in the Smith machine to a height that is just below your shoulders.
- Stance: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, directly under the bar.
- Grip: Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width.
The Lift:
- Unrack: Push up to unrack the bar and twist your wrists to release the safety hooks. The bar should be resting on your upper chest.
- Press: Engage your core, keep your chest up, and press the bar straight overhead until your arms are fully extended.
- Control: Pause briefly at the top.
- Lower: Slowly and with control, lower the bar back to the starting position on your upper chest.
Tips:
- Avoid using your legs to generate momentum (unless performing a push press).
- Keep a slight bend in your knees for stability.
- Be careful not to arch your back excessively as you press.
Common mistakes: Overarching the lumbar spine, pushing the bar too far forward, and not locking out at the top.
Alternatives
Cable
cable front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Barbell
barbell overhead press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Barbell
barbell seated behind the neck press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing overhead press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench
barbell seated overhead press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell seated press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell standing alternate raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench
dumbbell incline y raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
machine hammer grip shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell seated alternate shoulder press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Seated Shoulder Press Machine
machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Kettlebell
kettlebell strict press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Barbell
barbell front raise
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Kettlebell
kettlebell upright row
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+1
None
pike push-up
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Resistance Band
resistance band overhead press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Dumbbell
dumbbell push press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Bench
dumbbell arnold press
Front ShoulderRear Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine seated shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2
Smith Machine
smit-machine standing shoulder press
Front ShoulderLateral Shoulder+2