10 Best Smith Behind Neck Press Alternatives for Safer Shoulder Training

The Smith Behind Neck Press is done standing with a Smith machine. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press, the Smith Standing Behind Head Military Press and the Smith Standing Military Press.

Smith Behind Neck PressWatch the Smith Behind Neck Press

Each substitute is scored on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. Read how we rank alternatives

How to Do the Smith Behind Neck Press

The steps for the Smith Behind Neck Press itself, so you can judge how close each substitute below really is.

Delts, with triceps, upper back · Smith-machine · Advanced · Compound

  1. Adjust the seat height of the smith machine so that the bar is at shoulder level.
  2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
  3. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
  4. Lift the bar off the rack and step back, maintaining a stable stance.
  5. Lower the bar down to the back of your neck, keeping your elbows pointing forward.
  6. Press the bar up overhead until your arms are fully extended.
  7. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the bar back down to the starting position.
  8. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

The 10 Best Smith Behind Neck Press Alternatives

10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Smith Behind Neck Press on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Cards with a "How to perform it" link open to show the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page.

Each link re-ranks the list below for the kit it names. Pick one to hide the substitutes you cannot set up.

  1. Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press

    1. Smith Machine Overhead Shoulder Press

    98% match

    Delts · Intermediate · Compound

    Pick this when you want an easier version that still works the delts.

    • Smith-machine
    How to perform it
    1. To begin, place a flat bench (or preferably one with back support) underneath a smith machine. Position the barbell at a height so that when seated on the flat bench, the arms must be almost fully extended to reach the barbell.
    2. Once you have the correct height, sit slightly in behind the barbell so that there is an imaginary straight line from the tip of your nose to the barbell. Your feet should be stationary. Grab the barbell with the palms facing forward, unlock it and lift it up so that your arms are fully extended. This is the starting position.
    3. Slowly begin to lower the barbell until it is level with your chin while inhaling.
    4. Then lift the barbell back to the starting position using your shoulders while exhaling.
    5. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press
  2. Smith Standing Behind Head Military PressPlay demonstration

    2. Smith Standing Behind Head Military Press

    97% match

    Delts · Advanced · Compound

    The same equipment, taken with an overhand grip.

    • Smith-machine
    How to perform it
    1. Adjust the seat height of the smith machine so that the bar is at shoulder level.
    2. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and your knees slightly bent.
    3. Grasp the bar with an overhand grip, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
    4. Lift the bar off the rack and step back, maintaining a stable stance.
    5. Position the bar behind your head, resting on your upper traps.
    6. Keep your core engaged and your chest lifted throughout the exercise.
    7. Press the bar overhead by extending your arms, fully straightening them.
    8. Pause briefly at the top of the movement, then slowly lower the bar back down to the starting position.
    9. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 to 5 sets of 5 to 8 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press
  5. Lever Military PressPlay demonstration

    5. Lever Military Press

    96% match

    Delts · Intermediate · Compound

    A good swap when you have a lever machine to work with, and it still works the delts.

    • Lever
    How to perform it
    1. Adjust the seat height and position yourself on the machine with your back against the backrest.
    2. Grasp the handles with an overhand grip and position your hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
    3. Push the handles upward until your arms are fully extended, but do not lock your elbows.
    4. Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower the handles back down to the starting position.
    5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

    Sets and reps: 3 or 4 sets of 6 to 10 reps.

    Why this matches
    • Primary muscle: delts, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press
    • Equipment: a machine, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press
    • Body position: standing, the same as the Smith Behind Neck Press

Smith Behind Neck Press FAQ

Can I build muscle without doing Smith Behind Neck Press?

Yes. You can stimulate the delts with front-loaded presses, Arnold presses, landmine presses, and isolation work like lateral raises. Focus on progressive overload, full range with controlled tempo, and keeping the humeral head centered to maximize deltoid activation while minimizing cuff stress.

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