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Bodyweight Prone Y-T-W Raise

The prone Y-T-W raise is a bodyweight sequence that targets the lower traps, mid-traps, and rotator cuff in three arm positions. Lie face down and raise your arms into Y, T, and W shapes.

How to Perform

1

Lie face down on the floor or a bench with arms extended overhead.

2

Raise arms into a Y position (overhead, thumbs up), hold for two seconds, lower.

3

Raise arms into a T position (out to the sides, thumbs up), hold for two seconds, lower.

4

Raise arms into a W position (elbows bent 90 degrees, squeezing shoulder blades), hold for two seconds, lower.

5

That sequence is one rep — perform 8-12 reps with slow, controlled movement.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Rushing through the positions instead of holding each for the full two-second count.

Lifting the chest off the floor to cheat the arms higher instead of using pure scapular muscles.

Skipping the W position, which is the most important for external rotation strength.

Muscle Activation

Traps65%
Shoulders50%
Back30%

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