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Smith Incline Shoulder Raises

Target your serratus anterior and anterior deltoids with Smith Incline Shoulder Raises.

Intermediate
Compound
Push
1 min per set2 min rest
Chest
Smith machine

Description

An exercise performed on the Smith machine with an inclined angle to target the shoulders from a different angle.

How to Do Smith Incline Shoulder Raises

  1. 1
    Setup

    Adjust an incline bench to a 30-45 degree angle and position it inside the Smith machine, ensuring the bar can travel freely.

  2. 2
    Setup

    Lie back on the bench with your upper chest aligned under the bar, gripping the bar slightly wider than shoulder-width with an overhand grip.

  3. 3
    Setup

    Unrack the bar by rotating your wrists, fully extending your arms, and ensuring your feet are firmly planted on the floor for stability.

  4. 4

    Inhale as you slowly lower the bar towards your upper chest, maintaining control and keeping your elbows slightly tucked.

  5. 5

    Exhale and powerfully press the bar upwards and slightly back, focusing on protracting your shoulder blades at the top of the movement to engage the serratus anterior.

  6. 6

    Control the descent back to the starting position, allowing your shoulder blades to retract naturally before the next repetition.

Tips

  • Emphasize the scapular protraction at the top of the movement; this is key for maximizing serratus anterior activation and shoulder stability.
  • Maintain consistent core tension throughout the exercise to support your spine and prevent any rocking or instability on the bench.
  • Focus on a controlled eccentric (lowering) phase, taking 2-3 seconds to bring the bar down, which enhances muscle time under tension and growth.
  • Keep your wrists straight and in line with your forearms to avoid unnecessary strain and ensure the force is transferred efficiently through the bar.

Common Mistakes

  • ×Neglecting shoulder protraction at the top of the movement reduces serratus anterior engagement; actively push the bar slightly further up and away at the peak, focusing on rounding your upper back slightly to achieve full scapular protraction.
  • ×Lowering the bar too quickly or allowing it to drop compromises muscle tension and increases injury risk; control the entire eccentric phase, taking at least 2-3 seconds to bring the bar back down to your chest.
  • ×Flaring elbows out wide places undue stress on the shoulder joints and reduces targeted muscle activation; keep your elbows slightly tucked towards your sides throughout the movement, creating a more stable and efficient pressing path.

Variations

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Intermediate
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