Dumbbell Lying Shoulder External Rotation

The Dumbbell Lying Shoulder External Rotation primarily works the Infraspinatus, with secondary activation of the Posterior Deltoid, Teres Minor and stabilizer support from the Rhomboids, Trapezius (Lower), Wrist Extensors. It is a dumbbell isolation exercise at intermediate difficulty.

A dumbbell isolation pull exercise targeting the Infraspinatus.

EquipmentDumbbell
DifficultyIntermediate
TypeIsolation
MovementIsolation
ForcePull
LateralityBilateral
PrimaryInfraspinatus
SecondaryPosterior Deltoid, Teres Minor

Muscles Worked

Front
Back
Primary Secondary Stabilizer

Primary Muscles

Secondary Muscles

Stabilizer Muscles

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Lie on side with legs separated for support. Grasp dumbbell and position elbow against side and forearm across belly. Execution: Lift dumbbell by rotating shoulder. Return and repeat. Flip over and continue with opposite arm. Comments: Maintain elbow against side and fixed elbow position (90° angle) throughout exercise. Placing towel roll under arm increase infraspinatus and teres minor EMG signal activity compared to no towel roll (Wilk KE 2002), although subsequent study found no significant difference (Reinold MM 2004). Also seeDumbbell Shoulder External Rotation Errors.

Alternative Exercises

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