Stand with the legs slightly apart and back straight, contracting the abdominal muscles. Hold the barbell with an overhand grip as it rests against the thighs:
- Inhale and raise the barbell with the extended arms to eye level.
- Exhale at the end of the movement.
This exercise contracts the anterior deltoid, the clavicular head of the pectoralis major, the infraspinatus, and , to a lesser degree, the trapezius, serratus antertior and short head of biceps.
If your continue to raise the arms, the posterior deltoid contracts, reinforcing the work of the other muscles and allowing you to raise the arms to vertical.
The exercise may also be performed with your back to a low pulley and the cable passing between the legs.
