Dumbbell Bent-Over Y Raise - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Bent-Over Y Raise

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Bent-Over Y Raise.

MediumRear shoulders

About this exercise

The dumbbell bent-over Y raise is a shoulder and upper-back exercise performed in a hip-hinge position. With light dumbbells, you raise both arms diagonally upward to form a Y shape, targeting the posterior deltoids, lower trapezius, and rhomboids — muscles critical for good posture and shoulder stability.

How to Perform

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and hinge forward at the hips until your torso is at roughly 45 degrees, keeping a neutral spine
  • Hold a light dumbbell in each hand with arms hanging straight down and palms facing each other
  • Keeping your arms straight, raise them diagonally forward and outward to form a Y shape until they are roughly in line with your torso
  • Squeeze the shoulder blades together and down at the top of the movement
  • Lower the dumbbells slowly back to the hanging position
  • Repeat for the desired number of repetitions

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shoulders
Secondary
Side shouldersTrapezius

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Bent-Over Y Raise

The Dumbbell Bent-Over 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.