How to do the Band Y-raise
Band Y-raise is a beginner single-joint isolation pushing exercise targeting the Delts in the Shoulders region. Performed using band, it falls under the strength category. Secondary muscles engaged include Traps and Rhomboids.
Band Y-raise demonstration · © GymiaFit
Band Y-raise at a glance
- Primary muscles
- Delts
- Secondary muscles
- Traps, Rhomboids
- Equipment
- Band
- Level
- Beginner
- Type
- Isolation (single-joint)
- Force
- Push
Band Y-raise step by step
- 1Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the band in front of your thighs with your palms facing inwards.
- 2Keep your arms straight and lift them up and out to the sides, forming a 'Y' shape with your body.
- 3Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the top of the movement.
- 4Slowly lower your arms back down to the starting position.
- 5Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Band Y-raise — questions
What muscles does the Band Y-raise work?
The Band Y-raise primarily targets the Delts. It also recruits the Traps, Rhomboids as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Band Y-raise?
You need band. If your gym does not have it, the alternatives listed further down train the same muscles with different kit.
Is the Band Y-raise suitable for beginners?
Yes. It is classed as a beginner movement: the pattern is simple enough to learn in a session and easy to scale by adjusting range of motion or load.
What can I do instead of the Band Y-raise?
Band Front Lateral Raise, Band Front Raise, Band Reverse Fly train the same muscles and make good substitutes when the equipment is taken or the movement does not suit you.
Log it, don't guess it.
The GymiaFit app has the Band Y-raise demo, form cues and set logging built in — plus a muscle map that shows what you have actually trained this week. Free on iOS and Android.