Y-Raise

The Y-raise should feel like you're reaching your arms overhead at a diagonal. Stand holding light dumbbells at your sides with your arms straight. Raise both arms diagonally forward and up, thumbs leading, until they form a Y shape above your head — arms should be about a 45-degree angle from your midline. Pause and feel the contraction in your shoulders and upper back. Lower with control. The movement is smaller and slower than it looks; don't rush it. Stay vertical and avoid arching your back.