General FitnessShouldersSmith Machine60 MinutesBeginner

60 Minutes Beginner Shoulders Workout with Smith Machine

A 60 minutes general fitness workout targeting your shoulders using smith machine equipment. 5 exercises, 15 total sets, designed for beginner lifters.

60 Minutes

Duration

15

Total Sets

8-15 reps

Rep Range

~630

Est. Calories

The Workout

1
Smith Machine Decline Press
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
intermediate

Start with this as your primary movement. Warm up with 2 lighter sets first.

Form cues
  • Set a decline bench at 15-30 degrees inside the Smith machine.
  • Unrack the bar with it aligned over your lower chest.
  • Lower the bar to the bottom of your pecs with controlled speed.
2
Smith Machine Incline Press
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
beginner

Set the bench to 30-45 degrees and position it so the bar tracks over your upper chest.

Form cues
  • Set the bench to 30-45 degrees and position it so the bar tracks over your upper chest.
  • Unrack the bar by twisting the hooks and lower it to your upper chest with control.
  • Press the bar up to full lockout, driving through your palms.
3
Plate-Loaded Chest Press Machine
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
beginner

Adjust the seat so the handles are aligned with your mid-chest.

Form cues
  • Adjust the seat so the handles are aligned with your mid-chest.
  • Grip the handles with a full grip and retract your shoulder blades against the pad.
  • Press forward to full extension without locking out aggressively.
4
Smith Machine Close-Grip Bench Press
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
beginner

Lie on a flat bench under the Smith machine with hands shoulder width apart or slightly narrower.

Form cues
  • Lie on a flat bench under the Smith machine with hands shoulder width apart or slightly narrower.
  • Unrack by twisting the bar and lower it to your lower chest with elbows tucked tight.
  • Press the bar back to lockout, focusing on squeezing the triceps at the top.
5
Smith Machine Rear Delt Row
3 sets x 8-12 reps|Rest: 60-90 seconds
intermediate

Finish strong — take the last set close to failure.

Form cues
  • Set the bar at knee height and grip wider than shoulder-width.
  • Hinge at the hips until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor.
  • Row the bar toward your upper chest with elbows flared out to the sides.

Why This Workout Works

This workout is built around the principles of general fitness training. Combine compound movements with moderate loads and moderate reps. Include a mix of push, pull, hinge, squat, and carry patterns each week. Add 2-3 days of cardio and prioritize mobility work. This is sustainable, long-term training.

Training Parameters

  • Rep Range: 8-15 repsdesigned for sustained muscular effort
  • Rest Periods: 60-90 secondsshort rest to maximize calorie burn
  • Sets Per Exercise: 3 sets — optimized for general fitness

Shoulders Training Tips

  • *Most lifters over-train the front delt and neglect the rear delt — prioritize face pulls and reverse flyes.
  • *Lateral raises work best with lighter weight and strict form — no swinging.
  • *Press overhead with a slight forward lean to keep the bar path over your center of gravity.

Get this shoulders workout personalized for you

Revy's AI will analyze your training history, recovery status, and strength levels to customize every set, rep, and weight for maximum general fitness results.