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Dumbbell Incline Y-Raise
A prone incline raise into a Y position that strengthens the lower trapezius and improves scapular upward rotation with very light loads.
BackDumbbellScapular plane raise
GoLightWeight mediadumbbell-incline-y-raise
Demonstration coming soon
Primary
Lower trapezius
Secondary
Rear deltoidsRhomboidsRotator cuff
Equipment
Dumbbell
Pattern
Scapular plane raise
Setup
- 01Set a bench to roughly 30 to 45 degrees and lie prone with the chest supported.
- 02Hold light dumbbells with thumbs pointing up.
- 03Let the arms hang straight down under the shoulders.
- 04Set the neck neutral and lightly brace the trunk.
Execution
- 01Raise both arms up and out into a Y position, roughly 30 degrees outside the shoulders.
- 02Lead with the thumbs and reach long as the arms rise.
- 03Pause when the arms are near the line of the ears.
- 04Lower under control back to the hanging start.
Checkpoints
- -Arms trace a Y, not a T or a straight front raise.
- -Shoulder blades rotate upward without shrugging into the ears.
- -Elbows stay nearly straight throughout.
- -Chest stays on the pad.
Common mistakes
- -Going too heavy and shrugging the upper traps to move the weight.
- -Bending the elbows and shortening the lever.
- -Arching the lower back to gain height.
- -Swinging the dumbbells off the bottom.
Programming notes
- -Use 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps with very light dumbbells; 2 to 5 kg is plenty for most lifters.
- -Best used as a warm-up or accessory for overhead pressing and pulling health.
- -Add a 1 to 2 second hold at the top before adding load.
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