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Suspension Trainer YTW

Intermediate
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A suspension trainer complex combining Y, T, and W raises to target the rear delts and traps. Used to build scapular stability, shoulder health, and upper back strength.

About Exercise

Equipment

Suspension Trainer

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Shoulders, Traps

Secondary Muscles

Lats, Lower Back, Abs

Popularity Score

6

Goals

Stability
Rehab
Hypertrophy

Training Style

Functional Training
Calisthenics

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Traps

9/10

Upper Traps, Mid Traps, Lower Traps

Shoulders

8/10

Rear Delts

Lats

5/10

Lower Back

4/10

Erector Spinae

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

30-60 seconds

How to Perform

Anchor the suspension trainer overhead and stand facing the anchor point. Hold the handles with palms facing inward, lean back with arms extended, and maintain a rigid plank position.

  1. Keep arms straight and lift them overhead into a 'Y' shape, then lower slowly.
  2. Open arms out to the sides into a 'T' shape, squeezing shoulder blades together, then lower.
  3. Pull elbows back and rotate hands up to form a 'W' shape, then return to start.
  4. Maintain a tight core and straight spine throughout all three movements.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with thumbs
  • Squeeze shoulder blades
  • Ribs down
  • Keep elbows straight in Y and T
  • Don't arch lower back

Breathing

Exhale as you lift your arms into each position, inhale as you lower back to the start.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Arms should reach full extension overhead for Y, full abduction for T, and full external rotation for W without arching the back.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Ensure anchor point is secure
  • Stop if you feel sharp shoulder pain
  • Maintain tension on straps at all times

Spotting

Not recommended; self-supported exercise.

Common Mistakes

  • Bending elbows during Y or T
  • Arching the lower back
  • Using momentum to lift
  • Shrugging shoulders up
  • Slack in the straps

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute neck pain
  • Lower back instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 150 degrees
  • Thoracic extension
  • Scapular mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic plank hold
  • Familiarity with TRX basics
  • Controlled arm raises

Also known as

TRX YTW, Suspension YTW, Scapular YTW, TRX Shoulder Complex, YTW Raises

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