Exercise library · Shoulders

How to Do Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row

Step-by-step instructions, muscles worked and workouts that use the smith machine one-arm upright row.

How to do it

1. With the bar at thigh level, load an appropriate weight.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. After a brief pause, return the weight to the starting position.
5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions before engaging the hooks to rack the weight.

Form tips

• Start light and own the movement before adding weight.
• Control the lowering phase — don't drop into it.
• Keep breathing; exhale on the hardest part.
• Stop if you feel sharp pain (different from muscle burn).

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Gear for this exercise

Gym duffel bagShoe compartment and space for everything.See it on Amazon →Gym glovesBetter grip and fewer calluses.See it on Amazon →

Exercise photos and instructions: free-exercise-db (public domain). Animation made from the real start and end photos.