Shoulder Transverse Abduction
Strengthen your shoulders & upper back! This exercise targets those hard-to-reach muscles for better posture and stability.
The Shoulder Transverse Abduction mainly works the shoulders, with help from the back and traps. You'll need: dumbbells or resistance bands.
Required Equipment


Shoulder Transverse Abduction Muscles Worked
Primary
Rear Shoulder (Delts) (posterior deltoid)
Secondary
Rhomboids (Shoulder Blade) (rhomboids, major & minor); Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)
Shoulder Transverse Abduction Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Shoulder Transverse Abduction
Start by standing straight with your feet shoulder-width apart. If using weights, hold a dumbbell in each hand or attach resistance bands to a stable surface roughly at hand level. Keep your arms straight with the palms facing down if holding weights, or grasp the handles of the resistance bands with palms facing down.
Keeping your arms straight and elbows slightly bent to avoid locking them, lift your arms straight out to the sides and slightly behind you. Your arms should move in a horizontal plane, away from the midline of your body, to perform the transverse abduction.
Lift your arms to a point where they are in line with your body, creating a T shape. Ensure you are using your shoulder muscles to do the lifting and not momentum.
Squeeze your shoulder blades together slightly as you reach the peak of the movement to activate your upper back muscles.
Slowly lower your arms back to the starting position under control to complete one repetition.
Perform the exercise for the desired number of reps and sets, and, if necessary, adjust the resistance to match your fitness level.
Remember to breathe in as you lower your arms and breathe out as you lift them. Ensure you keep your core engaged throughout the exercise to maintain good posture and stability.
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Shoulder Transverse Abduction FAQs
What muscles does the Shoulder Transverse Abduction work?
The Shoulder Transverse Abduction mainly works the shoulders, with help from the back and traps. The main muscles are the posterior deltoid.
What equipment do you need for the Shoulder Transverse Abduction?
Dumbbells or resistance bands.
What workout day should the Shoulder Transverse Abduction go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Shoulder Transverse Abduction variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Lying Arm Abduction, Shoulder Adduction, Shoulder Flexion and Shoulder Transverse Adduction.
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