Back to Exercises
StrengthBeginner
Smith Machine One-Arm Upright Row
Equipment
Machine
Target Muscles
Shoulders
Category
Strength
Muscle Group
Shoulders
Force Type
pull
Mechanics
compound
Target Muscles
Shoulders
Secondary Muscles
BicepsTraps
Breathing
Exhale as you pull the weight toward your body, inhale as you extend back to the start.
Common Mistakes
- •Holding your breath during the movement
- •Not using the full range of motion
- •Using momentum instead of controlled muscle tension
Safety Tips
- •Stop immediately if you feel sharp or joint pain
- •Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back
- •Start with a weight you can control, not your one-rep max
Variations
- •Adjust the seat position to align the pivot with your joint
- •Use a slower tempo and squeeze at the peak contraction
- •Try one leg / one arm at a time
Alternatives
- •Choose another exercise that targets the shoulders
Progressions
- •Master the basic form with bodyweight before adding external load
- •Increase the weight by 5-10% once you can complete all reps with clean form
- •Slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase to 3-4 seconds
- •Reduce rest periods between sets to increase workout density
- •Add an extra set or rep each week (progressive overload)
Regressions
- •Reduce the weight to focus strictly on technique
- •Decrease the range of motion if you feel joint discomfort
- •Increase rest intervals to ensure full recovery between sets
Beginner Tips
- •Master proper form before increasing weight
- •Focus on slow, controlled movements — don't chase speed
- •Start with 2-3 sets of 10-12 reps to build a solid foundation
- •Record yourself to check your form
Pro Tips
- Breathe deliberately — exhale during the hardest part of the movement
- Warm up with lighter sets of the same exercise to prime the nervous system
- Stay tight throughout — brace your core before every single rep