Shoulders exercise · smith machine
Smith Seated Shoulder Press
The smith seated shoulder press is a smith machine exercise that targets the shoulders (deltoids), with the triceps and upper back assisting.
- Target muscle
- Delts
- Also works
- Triceps, upper back
- Equipment
- Smith machine
- Body part
- Shoulders
How to do the smith seated shoulder press
- Adjust the seat height so that the handles are at shoulder level.
- Sit on the machine with your back against the pad and your feet flat on the floor.
- Grasp the handles with an overhand grip and lift them off the supports, extending your arms fully.
- Lower the handles down to shoulder level, keeping your elbows slightly bent.
- Press the handles up overhead until your arms are fully extended.
- Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the handles back down to shoulder level.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps
For muscle growth, 3–4 sets of 8–12 reps with 60–90 seconds of rest is a proven starting point. For strength, use a heavier weight for 3–5 sets of 3–6 reps and rest 2–3 minutes. Add a little weight once you hit the top of your rep range on every set.
Muscles worked
The main muscle is the shoulders (deltoids). The triceps and upper back work as secondary muscles. See all shoulder exercises or every smith machine exercise.
