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Horizontal Shoulder Abduction

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Horizontal Shoulder Abduction.

EasyRear shoulders

About this exercise

Shoulder transverse abduction moves the arm horizontally outward from a forward position to the side, working in the transverse plane. It activates the posterior deltoid and upper trapezius, and mirrors the motion pattern of a reverse fly, making it an effective mobility and activation drill.

How to Perform

  • Stand tall and raise your arms to shoulder height in front of you, parallel to the floor
  • Keep a slight bend in the elbows for comfort
  • Slowly sweep both arms outward and backward in the horizontal plane
  • Squeeze the muscles between the shoulder blades at the end of the movement
  • Return the arms to the starting position in a controlled manner and repeat

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Horizontal Shoulder Abduction

The Horizontal Shoulder Abduction is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.