Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back
Strengthen your upper back and shoulders! This exercise targets key muscles with a supported incline, promoting better posture.
The Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back is a compound exercise that mainly works the shoulders and chest, with help from the traps and back. You'll need: incline bench or cable machine.
Required Equipment


Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back Muscles Worked
Primary
Shoulder Abductor (supraspinatus); Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head)
Secondary
Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers); Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor)
Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back
Setup:
Adjust the cables on the machine to a low setting.
Set the incline bench at around 30 to 45 degrees.
Sit on the bench with your back supported and feet flat on the ground.
Positioning:
Grasp the cable handles in each hand. Your arms should be extended down and slightly forward.
Ensure your palms are facing each other.
Sit up straight, keeping your core engaged, and lean back slightly against the support of the bench.
Movement:
Begin the movement by raising your arms out to the sides and slightly forward, forming a "Y" shape.
Keep a slight bend in your elbows.
Raise the cables until your hands are in line with your shoulders.
Contraction:
Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement.
Hold the position for a brief moment (1-2 seconds) to maximize contraction in your shoulders and upper back.
Return:
Slowly lower your arms back to the starting position with control, resisting the weight of the cables as you descend.
Repetitions:
Perform 10 to 15 repetitions for 2 to 3 sets, resting for about 30-60 seconds between sets.
Tips for Beginners:
Start with lighter weights to master the form before increasing resistance.
Focus on maintaining good posture throughout the exercise.
Keep movements slow and controlled to maximize effectiveness and minimize injury risk.
Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back FAQs
What muscles does the Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back work?
The Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back mainly works the shoulders and chest, with help from the traps and back. The main muscles are the supraspinatus and pectoralis major.
What equipment do you need for the Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back?
Incline bench or cable machine.
Is the Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back go on?
It belongs on pull day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Band Incline Y-Raise, Cable V-Bar Incline Close-Grip Shoulder Press, Cable Incline Y-Raise with Supported Back Wrist Strap and Cable Lying Upright Row.
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