Upper Back Strengthening Exercises:
The Y-T-I is a Good Upper Back Exercise and
A Good Rotator Cuff Exercise

Here's a really good upper back exercise (rotator cuff exercise) that you can perform in a couple of ways. It works the upper back and the rotator cuff muscles, and it's called the Y-T-I.

It's called the Y-T-I because your arms will form each letter during the exercise.

If you've read the page on upper back exercises, then you understand that the upper back helps to maintain good posture, protects the shoulder from injury, and improves sports performance.

You can perform the Y-T-I each letter 1 at a time, or for the toughest challenge move from the Y to the T and then to the I without lowering to the starting position.

You can perform this exercise on a ball or a bench to get the most range of motion. But, if you don't have a ball available, you can do them on the floor.

Also, you will generally use 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 pound weights-- the rotator cuff muscles are really small and usually 5 pounds is enough to really fatigue the rotator cuff muscles.

You can use no weights or up to 8 pounds if you're super strong.

Here's a breakdown of the upper back (rotator cuff) exercises.

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Upper Back Exercise: Y Motion
Focus rotator cuff and lower trapezius

Starting Position: Lie face down with your stomach on the ball. Hold dumbbells in your hands.

Form: With your thumbs facing towards the ceiling lift your arms up at a 45 degree angle and form a Y with your upper body. Hold briefly and then return to the starting position.

Perform 8-15 repetitions each set.

Personal Trainer Tips: You may need to brace your feet against a wall or sturdy object to prevent you from sliding backwards as you lift your arms.

Keep your neck in alignment. Do not over extend your neck.

Move slowly and don't allow momentum to take over. If you cannot lift your arms to full Y position lower the weight.

Stretching your shoulders and chest beforehand will improve your range of motion.

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Upper Back Exercise: T Motion
Focus rotator cuff and middle trapezius

Starting Position: Lie face down with your stomach on the ball. Hold dumbbells in your hands.

Form: With your palms facing down lift your arms up and form a T with your upper body. Hold briefly and then return to the starting position.

Perform 8-15 repetitions each set.

Personal Trainer Tips: You may need to brace your feet against a wall or sturdy object to prevent you from sliding backwards as you lift your arms.

Keep your neck in alignment. Do not over extend your neck.

Move slowly and don't allow momentum to take over. If you cannot lift your arms to full T position lower the weight.

Stretching your shoulders and chest beforehand will improve your range of motion.

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Upper Back Exercise: I Motion
Focus rotator cuff and middle trapezius and lower trapezius

Starting Position: Lie face down with your stomach on the ball. Hold dumbbells in your hands.

Form: With your palms turned away from your body lift your arms up and form a I with your upper body. Hold briefly and then return to the starting position.

Perform 8-15 repetitions each set.

Personal Trainer Tips: You may need to brace your feet against a wall or sturdy object to prevent you from sliding backwards as you lift your arms.

Keep your neck in alignment. Do not over extend your neck.

Move slowly and don't allow momentum to take over. If you cannot lift your arms to full I position lower the weight.

Stretching your shoulders and chest beforehand will improve your range of motion.

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Upper Back Exercise:
Combination Exercise Y-T-I Motion
Focus rotator cuff, middle trapezius, and lower trapezius

Starting Position: Lie face down with your stomach on the ball. Hold dumbbells in your hands.

Form: With your thumbs facing up move your arms to the Y position- hold for a brief moment.

Then, without lowering your arms move to the I position-- keeping your palms facing the floor. Hold for a brief moment.

Lastly, turn your palms away from your body and move your arms into the I position. Hold for a brief moment.

Then return to the starting position. Rest briefly, and then move through the sequence again.

Personal Trainer Tips: Perform 5-15 repetitions in each position.

Summary

The Y-T-I is a great upper back exercise and rotator cuff exercise and it's one of my favorites.

I think it is great for strengthening the rotator cuff, and it also helps to maintain good shoulder posture.

You see these exercises in shoulder rehab programs, but if you do them regularly you may be able to prevent injury.

If you lift weights or participate in a throwing or swinging sport such as baseball or golf, then this upper back exercise is a must for your workout.

And remember if you ever experience pain, you should see a licensed health professional.

Don't neglect your rotator cuff-- it is so important for shoulder stability and health.

Take Care
Charles

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