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Prone T Raise

Beginner
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Bodyweight prone exercise where you lift arms to form a T, targeting rear delts, mid traps, and rhomboids to build shoulder stability and improve posture; ideal for warm-ups and rehab.

About Exercise

Equipment

Body Weight

Difficulty

2/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Rehab

Training Style

Calisthenics
Warm-up

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Shoulders

10/10

Rear Delts

Traps

9/10

Mid Traps

Abs

4/10

Rectus Abdominis

Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Lie face down on a mat with arms extended out to the sides forming a T shape, palms down, forehead resting on a towel for neutral neck.

  1. Inhale to prepare.
  2. Exhale and squeeze shoulder blades together to lift arms 3-6 inches off the ground, keeping elbows straight.
  3. Hold the top position for 1-2 seconds.
  4. Inhale and slowly lower arms back to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for reps.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze shoulder blades
  • Keep neck neutral
  • Elbows straight
  • Core engaged
  • Avoid shrugging

Breathing

Exhale during the lift as you squeeze the shoulder blades; inhale as you lower the arms.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Lift arms until they are parallel to the ground or slightly above, without arching the back; full descent to floor.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain exists
  • Engage core to protect spine
  • Stop if sharp pain occurs
  • Use towel for neck support

Spotting

Not required; self-assisted bodyweight exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Arching lower back
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Hyperextending neck
  • Using momentum

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Lower back strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder flexion
  • Neutral spine mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic prone position comfort
  • Scapular retraction awareness

Also known as

Prone T-Raise, T Raise Prone, Supine T Raise

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