Exercise guide
Lying Prone A
- Beginner
- Compound
- Rep-based
- Back
The Lying Prone A is a highly effective isolation exercise for strengthening the posterior deltoids and lower trapezius, essential for improving posture and shoulder stability.
Reviewed by the Crucible team · Updated June 2026
Muscles worked
Setup
- Lie face down on a flat surface with your legs extended and the tops of your feet resting on the floor.
- Position your arms by your sides with your palms facing your thighs or the ceiling.
- Tuck your chin slightly to maintain a neutral spine, keeping your forehead hovering just off or resting on the floor.
How to do it
- Exhale as you lift your arms toward the ceiling, keeping them straight and close to your body to form an 'A' shape.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together and down toward your hips at the top of the movement.
- Inhale as you slowly lower your arms back to the starting position using a controlled 2-second tempo.
Form checklist
- Keep your forehead down to avoid straining the neck.
- Focus on moving from the shoulders rather than just lifting the hands.
- Keep your glutes and core engaged to prevent your lower back from arching.
- Ensure your arms stay straight throughout the entire range of motion.
Pro tips
- Think about pulling your shoulder blades into your back pockets to maximize lower trap activation.
- Rotate your thumbs outward at the top of the movement to further engage the rotator cuff and rear deltoids.
Make it harder
- Hold the peak contraction for 3-5 seconds on every rep to increase time under tension.
- Perform the movement while holding light weights or household objects to add resistance.
Frequently asked
- What muscles does the lying prone a work?
- The lying prone a primarily targets the deltoids, and also works the abs, erector spinae, and obliques as secondary muscles.
- What equipment do you need for the lying prone a?
- The lying prone a requires no equipment — just your body weight.
- Is the lying prone a good for beginners?
- Yes. The lying prone a is a beginner-friendly movement and a strong foundation to build on.