Cable Standing Y-Raise - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Cable Standing Y-Raise

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable Standing Y-Raise.

MediumRear shouldersTrapezius

About this exercise

A cable exercise performed standing that targets the rear deltoids, lower trapezius, and mid-back by raising both arms in a Y-shaped pattern from a low-pulley cable. The Y-raise is especially effective for correcting rounded shoulders and improving scapular stability.

How to Perform

  • Attach handles to a low-pulley cable machine and stand facing the machine, feet shoulder-width apart
  • Grasp one handle in each hand with palms facing each other or slightly downward, arms extended in front of you
  • Hinge slightly at the hips to create a mild forward lean, keeping your core braced and spine neutral
  • Raise both arms upward and outward in a Y shape, thumbs leading, until your arms are above shoulder height
  • Squeeze the shoulder blades together and downward at the top of the movement
  • Slowly lower the handles back to the starting position under control

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shouldersTrapezius
Secondary
Side shouldersMiddle back

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable Standing Y-Raise

The Cable Standing Y-Raise 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.