Shoulders exercise · smith machine
Smith Standing Behind Head Military Press
The smith standing behind head military 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 standing behind head military press
- Adjust the seat height of the smith machine so that the bar is at shoulder level.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
- Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
- Lift the bar off the rack and step back, maintaining a stable stance.
- Position the bar behind your head, resting on your upper traps.
- Keep your core engaged and your chest lifted throughout the exercise.
- Press the bar overhead by extending your arms, fully straightening them.
- Pause briefly at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the bar back down to the starting position.
- 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.
