Cable Shrugs vs Smith Machine Upright Row

Grasp a cable bar attachment that is attached to a low pulley with a shoulder width or slightly wider overhand (palms facing down) grip.

Stand erect close to the pulley with your arms extended in front of you holding the bar. This will be your starting position.

Lift the bar by elevating the shoulders as high as possible as you exhale. Hold the contraction at the top for a second. Tip: The arms should remain extended at all times. Refrain from using the biceps to help lift the bar. Only the shoulders should be moving up and down.

Lower the bar back to the original position.

Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

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.