Bent-Over Horizontal Abduction

Explanatory Video(2)

Description

Lie face down on a table or bed with your arm hanging over the side. Keeping your arm straight, slowly raise it up until it is level with your eye. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blade towards the center of your back at the top of the movement. Lower the weight back down slowly and with control. This exercise is highly effective for improving shoulder stability and targeting the posterior chain of the shoulder complex.

Difficulty & Category

Beginner
Dynamic

Affected Muscles

Trapezius (Middle)
Trapezius (Lower)
Infraspinatus
Teres Minor
Deltoid (Posterior)

Body Areas

Back
Back / Rotator Cuff
Shoulders

Equipment

Dumbbell
Other
Last updated: 3/3/2026