What muscles does the Dumbbell Y-Raise work?

The Dumbbell Y-Raise primarily works your posterior deltoid and traps. It also recruits your rotator cuff as secondary movers.

What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell Y-Raise?

You need dumbbells and an incline bench to perform the Dumbbell Y-Raise.

A typical prescription for the Dumbbell Y-Raise is 3–4 sets of 12–20 reps. Rest about 30–60 seconds between sets.

The Dumbbell Y-Raise is best suited to intermediate lifters. Beginners can do it with light weight and close attention to form before progressing.

Exercise library · Shoulders

Isolation movement to strengthen smaller shoulder stabilizers.

Also known as: DB Y-Raise, Incline Y-Raise, Y-Raise, Rear Delt Y-Raise

IntermediateDumbbells · Incline bench

The numbers

Sets

3–4

Reps

12–20

Rest

30–60 s

The play-by-play

What separates good from great

Common questions

What is the Dumbbell Y-Raise?: Isolation movement to strengthen smaller shoulder stabilizers.
What muscles does the Dumbbell Y-Raise work?: The Dumbbell Y-Raise primarily works your posterior deltoid and traps. It also recruits your rotator cuff as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Dumbbell Y-Raise?: You need dumbbells and an incline bench to perform the Dumbbell Y-Raise.
How many sets and reps should I do for the Dumbbell Y-Raise?: A typical prescription for the Dumbbell Y-Raise is 3–4 sets of 12–20 reps. Rest about 30–60 seconds between sets.
Is the Dumbbell Y-Raise good for beginners?: The Dumbbell Y-Raise is best suited to intermediate lifters. Beginners can do it with light weight and close attention to form before progressing.