StrengthShouldersSmith Machine60 MinutesBeginner

60 Minutes Beginner Shoulders Workout with Smith Machine

A 60 minutes strength workout targeting your shoulders using smith machine equipment. 4 exercises, 18 total sets, designed for beginner lifters.

60 Minutes

Duration

18

Total Sets

3-6 reps

Rep Range

~945

Est. Calories

The Workout

1
Plate-Loaded Chest Press Machine
5 sets x 3-5 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
beginner

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

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.
2
Smith Machine Shoulder Press
5 sets x 3-5 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
beginner

Position the bench at 90 degrees or sit on a flat seat directly under the bar.

Form cues
  • Position the bench at 90 degrees or sit on a flat seat directly under the bar.
  • Set the bar at forehead height, grip just outside shoulder width.
  • Unrack by twisting the bar and press straight up to full lockout.
3
Smith Machine Behind-the-Back Shrug
4 sets x 5-8 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
intermediate

Set the bar at glute height and stand facing away from it.

Form cues
  • Set the bar at glute height and stand facing away from it.
  • Grip the bar behind you with a shoulder-width overhand grip.
  • Shrug your shoulders straight up toward your ears while pulling slightly back.
4
Smith Machine Upright Row
4 sets x 5-8 reps|Rest: 3-5 minutes
intermediate

Finish strong — take the last set close to failure.

Form cues
  • Stand with the bar at arm length, gripping slightly narrower than shoulder-width.
  • Pull the bar straight up along your body, leading with the elbows.
  • Raise until elbows are at or above shoulder height.

Why This Workout Works

This workout is built around the principles of strength training. Center your program around the big compound lifts: squat, bench press, deadlift, and overhead press. Use heavy loads (80-95% 1RM) with low reps and full recovery between sets. Periodize intensity — not every session should be a max effort.

Training Parameters

  • Rep Range: 3-6 repsheavy enough for maximal force production
  • Rest Periods: 3-5 minutesfull recovery between heavy sets
  • Sets Per Exercise: 4-6 sets — optimized for strength

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 strength results.