Exercise Comparison
Barbell Shrug vs Smith Machine Upright Row
Side-by-Side
Muscle Analysis
Shared
Only in Smith Machine Upright Row
Instructions
Barbell Shrug
Stand up straight with your feet at shoulder width as you hold a barbell with both hands in front of you using a pronated grip (palms facing the thighs). Tip: Your hands should be a little wider than shoulder width apart. You can use wrist wraps for this exercise for a better grip. This will be your starting position.
Raise your shoulders up as far as you can go as you breathe out and hold the contraction for a second. Tip: Refrain from trying to lift the barbell by using your biceps.
Slowly return to the starting position as you breathe in.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Smith Machine Upright Row
To begin, set the bar on the smith machine to a height that is around the middle of your thighs. Once the correct height is chosen and the bar is loaded, grasp the bar using a pronated (palms forward) grip that is shoulder width apart. You may need some wrist wraps if using a significant amount of weight.
Lift the barbell up and fully extend your arms with your back straight. There should be a slight bend at the elbows. This is the starting position.
Use your side shoulders to lift the bar as you exhale. The bar should be close to the body as you move it up. Continue to lift it until it nearly touches your chin. Tip: Your elbows should drive the motion. As you lift the bar, your elbows should always be higher than your forearms. Also, keep your torso stationary and pause for a second at the top of the movement.
Lower the bar back down slowly to the starting position. Inhale as you perform this portion of the movement.
Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.
Verdict
Both exercises target the traps. Barbell Shrug is a beginner exercise using barbell, while Smith Machine Upright Row is beginner and uses machine. Choose Barbell Shrug if you have access to barbell, or Smith Machine Upright Row if you prefer machine. Smith Machine Upright Row is a compound movement working multiple joints, making it better for overall strength. Barbell Shrug isolates the target muscle for focused development.