Bodyweight
Back Lever
Upper Back · Back
Intermediate6
Demonstration
IntermediateIsolationDumbbell
Dumbbell Incline Y Raise
Upper Back · Back
3
sets
10–12
reps
1m
Rest time
~5
Calories / set
Instructions
- 1
Set an incline bench to a 45-degree angle and sit on it with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing inwards.
- 2
Lean forward slightly and let your arms hang straight down, keeping a slight bend in your elbows.
- 3
Raise your arms out to the sides and up in a Y shape until they are parallel to the ground.
- 4
Pause for a moment at the top, then slowly lower your arms back down to the starting position.
- 5
Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Muscles worked
Primary
Upper Back
shoulders
Secondary
shouldersrear deltoids
Pro tips
- Move through the full range of motion under control.
- Keep tension on the target muscle — avoid using momentum.
- Breathe out on the effort, in on the return.
- Pick a weight that lets you keep clean form for every rep.
Common mistakes
- Using too much weight and sacrificing technique.
- Rushing reps instead of controlling the tempo.
- Cutting the range of motion short.
- Holding your breath throughout the set.
Safety notes
- Warm up thoroughly before working heavy.
- Stop immediately if you feel sharp or joint pain.
- Use a spotter or safeties for heavy barbell work.
Related exercises
Resistance band
Band One Arm Standing Low Row
Upper Back · Back
Beginner9
Resistance band
Band One Arm Twisting Seated Row
Upper Back · Back
Beginner9
Barbell
Barbell Bent Over Row
Upper Back · Back
Advanced12
Barbell
Barbell Incline Row
Upper Back · Back
Advanced12
Barbell
Barbell One Arm Bent Over Row
Upper Back · Back
Advanced12
Barbell
Barbell Pendlay Row
Upper Back · Back
Advanced12
Barbell
Barbell Reverse Grip Bent Over Row
Upper Back · Back
Advanced12
Alternatives
Bodyweight
Back Lever
Upper Back · Back
Intermediate6
Resistance band
Band One Arm Standing Low Row
Upper Back · Back
Beginner9
Resistance band
Band One Arm Twisting Seated Row
Upper Back · Back
Beginner9
Barbell
Barbell Bent Over Row
Upper Back · Back
Advanced12
Barbell
Barbell Incline Row
Upper Back · Back
Advanced12
Barbell
Barbell One Arm Bent Over Row
Upper Back · Back
Advanced12