Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row
Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row is a beginner compound machine exercise that mainly works your shoulders, with help from your biceps and traps.


How to do the smith machine one-arm upright row
- With the bar at thigh level, load an appropriate weight.
- Take a wide grip on the bar and unhook the weight, removing your off hand from the bar. Your arm should be extended as you stand up straight with your head and chest up. This will be your starting position.
- Begin the movement by flexing the elbow, raising the upper arm with the elbow pointed out. Continue until your upper arm is parallel to the floor.
- After a brief pause, return the weight to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before engaging the hooks to rack the weight.
Muscles worked
Sets and reps
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
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What muscles does the smith machine one-arm upright row work?
It mainly works your shoulders; your biceps and traps assist.
How many sets and reps of smith machine one-arm upright row should I do?
For strength, do 3-5 sets of 5-8 reps with 2-3 minutes of rest. For muscle growth, 3-4 sets of 8-12 reps with 90 seconds of rest. Add a little weight when you hit the top of the range on every set.
Is the smith machine one-arm upright row good for beginners?
Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.