Y Raise with Cable Machine

Y Raise with Cable Machine
English Name Cable Y Raise
Difficulty Intermediate
Exercise Types کششی, پویا
Primary Muscle (EN) Lateral Deltoid
Muscle GroupsShoulder Muscles Trapezius
Workout TypeIsolated
Required equipmentCable machine

💠 Exercise guide

✅ The Y Raise with Cable Machine is a highly effective isolation exercise for strengthening and defining the shoulder muscles, particularly the middle deltoid. By emphasizing the diagonal movement of the arms in the scapular plane, it creates a balanced engagement of the anterior, middle, and posterior deltoids. This exercise is especially prescribed to improve shoulder joint stability, scapular control, and neuromuscular coordination. It is also beneficial for rehabilitation and prevention of shoulder impingement syndrome.

cable y raise

💠 How to perform the exercise

Y Raise with Cable Machine

Preparation

✅ Adjust the cable pulleys to the lowest position and attach a D-handle to each side.
✅ Stand facing the machine and grab each handle with the opposite hand (crossed).
✅ Keep your feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, back straight, core braced, and head aligned with your spine.
✅ Retract and depress your shoulder blades.

Execution method

✅ With a slight bend in your elbows, raise your arms diagonally upward until they form a “Y” shape at the top.
✅ Pause for 1 second at the top and focus on the muscle contraction.
✅ Slowly return to the starting position.
✅ Keep your torso completely stable throughout the movement.

Coaching tips and recommendations

✔ Choose a light to moderate weight to maintain precise control.
✔ Keep your elbow angle consistent and avoid sudden bending or locking.
✔ Do not swing your torso or use momentum.
✔ Proper execution means the cables are lifted by the shoulders, not by body movement.
✔ Coordinate your breathing: exhale as you raise, inhale as you return.

Benefits of the exercise

1️⃣ Building shoulder size and symmetry
2️⃣ Strengthening the scapular muscles and shoulder stability
3️⃣ Improving movement patterns in overhead motions
4️⃣ Enhancing mind–muscle connection in diagonal movements
5️⃣ Helping prevent shoulder injuries such as impingement
6️⃣ Strengthening the underactive rear shoulder muscles
7️⃣ Increasing range of motion in the scapular plane
8️⃣ Improving posture and reducing shoulder droop
9️⃣ Serving as an excellent complement to upper-body strength training
🔟 Beneficial for athletes in sports such as swimming, volleyball, tennis, and CrossFit

💠 Muscles engaged in the movement

✅ Functionally, the cable Y-raise engages both the superficial and deep shoulder muscles, promoting muscular balance, improving glenohumeral joint function, and enhancing dynamic overhead control. The involvement of the rotator cuff and scapular stabilizers makes this exercise both muscle-building and rehabilitative.

Main muscles

Middle Deltoid Muscle
Lateral Deltoid

Synergistic muscles

Anterior Deltoid Muscle
Anterior Deltoid
Posterior Deltoid
Posterior Deltoid
Trapezius
Trapezius
Supraspinatus
Supraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Infraspinatus
Teres Minor
Teres Minor
Serratus Anterior
Serratus Anterior

Stabilizers

Core muscles
Core Muscles
Scapular Stabilizers
Scapular Stabilizers
Engaged muscles

Deltoid Muscle

Deltoideus Muscle

🔹 The deltoid muscle is one of the most important and voluminous muscles of the shoulder region. Its primary function is to move the arm in various directions and stabilize the shoulder joint. Due to its triangular shape, it is named “deltoid,” derived from the Greek word “Δέλτα” (delta), meaning triangle.

🔹 The deltoid muscle is divided into three distinct heads, each playing a specific role in shoulder movement. The anterior head assists in forward motions and arm flexion, the middle head is responsible for abduction and lifting the arm, and the posterior head supports extension and movements behind the body. This muscle is essential for the stability and strength of the shoulder joint, and its weakness can lead to limited range of motion, reduced shoulder power, and an increased risk of injury.

Deltoid Muscle

Trapezius muscle

Trapezius Muscle

The trapezius muscle is one of the most important superficial back muscles, extending from the occipital region to the middle of the back. It plays a key role in shoulder movements, scapular stabilization, and neck motions. Strengthening this muscle improves shoulder endurance, reduces neck pain, and enhances overall posture.

Trapezius muscle

Supraspinatus Muscle

Supraspinatus Muscle

🔹 The supraspinatus muscle is one of the four main rotator cuff muscles and plays a vital role in stabilizing the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint. It is especially important in initiating arm abduction before the middle deltoid activates. Additionally, it helps prevent shoulder dislocation and enhances joint stability.

🔹 The supraspinatus muscle is often undertrained in daily workouts, but its weakness is one of the most common causes of shoulder pain and injuries such as shoulder impingement syndrome. Therefore, athletes and bodybuilders should pay special attention to strengthening this muscle.

Supraspinatus muscle

Teres Minor Muscle

Teres Minor Muscle

🔹 The teres minor is one of the four main rotator cuff muscles and works alongside the infraspinatus in external rotation of the arm. In addition to stabilizing the glenohumeral (shoulder) joint, it aids in controlled arm movements during both athletic and everyday activities.

🔹 Unlike the infraspinatus, which has greater power in external rotation, the teres minor plays a more prominent role in stabilizing the shoulder joint and maintaining balance during rotational and resistance movements. Weakness in this muscle can increase stress on the shoulder joint and reduce control in throwing and rotational actions.

Teres Minor

Muscle training

Pelank is a comprehensive encyclopedia of the body’s muscles, providing an accurate and scientific review of all muscles. Below, you can find muscle groups. By clicking on each muscle group, you will have access to complete information about it, including:

1️⃣ Basic information about the muscle
2️⃣ Muscle anatomy
3️⃣ Muscle physiology
4️⃣ Innervation and blood supply
5️⃣ Importance of the muscle in the body and sports
6️⃣ Strengthening exercises
7️⃣ Scientific and interesting facts

📌 At the end, a summary review of each muscle will be provided.

Body muscles training guide link

🔹 The muscle group engaged in this movement is highlighted in color.

References

Anatomy and medical books :

Sports and training references :

  • Strength Training Anatomy by Frederic Delavier
  • Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning by NSCA
  • Well-known articles and training programs by international coaches

Medical databases :

  • PubMed (for scientific and research articles)
  • MedlinePlus (health and medical information)
  • WebMD (for practical and general health information)

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