Exercise library
Shoulders
Smith Machine Overhead Press
- Primary muscle
- Shoulders
- Also works
- Triceps
- Equipment
- Machine
- Movement pattern
- Vertical push
- Role in a program
- Primary
How to do it
Set a bench or stand under the Smith bar so it tracks in front of your face. Unrack the bar at shoulder height, press it overhead to lockout, then lower under control. The fixed path removes the need to balance the bar.
Video demo coming soon.
Similar & swap-friendly exercises
Missing the equipment, or does this one aggravate something today? These also train the shoulders — pick a substitute that feels strong and pain-free. For an actual injury, get it assessed by a professional.
- Machine Lateral RaiseMachineVertical push
- Machine Shoulder PressMachineVertical push
- Arnold PressDumbbellVertical push
- Band Front RaiseBandVertical push
- Band Lateral RaiseBandVertical push
- Band Overhead PressBandVertical push
No-equipment alternatives
Training at home or on the road — bodyweight options for the shoulders: