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Exercise Guide
How to do cable incline fly
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The cable incline fly is an isolation movement that focuses on the upper portion of the pectoral muscles. Performing this on an incline bench while using cables provides a consistent stretch and squeeze that is hard to replicate with free weights. This exercise is perfect for filling out the upper chest, creating a more defined transition between the shoulders and chest for a powerful look.
Stats
TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Intermediate to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Crossover Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Bench position: Set an incline bench roughly halfway between two cable pulley stations. Adjust the angle to a comfortable incline (usually 30-45 degrees).
- Cable height: Adjust the cable pulleys to a low position, slightly above the floor.
- Grip: Grab a handle in each hand with palms facing each other. Lie back on the bench, maintaining your core tightness.
The Lift:
- Starting Position: Extend your arms out to your sides, maintaining a slight bend in your elbows. This is your starting position.
- The Arc: In a controlled arcing motion, bring your hands together in front of your chest, maintaining the slight bend throughout.
- Squeeze: At the top of the movement, briefly squeeze your chest muscles.
- Reverse the movement: Slowly return to the starting position, following the same arcing path.
- Reset: Breathe and prepare for the next repetition.
Tips:
- Focus on the chest: Concentrate on using your chest muscles rather than just moving your arms.
- Maintain Tension: Don't let the weight "rest" at the bottom of the movement, maintain tension in your chest.
- Variations: Experiment with different bench angles to target different areas of the chest.
Common mistakes: Pressing the weight up instead of flying it and losing tension at the top of the movement.
Alternatives
Bench
dumbbell bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Seated Fly Machine
machine seated fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Bench
cable lying fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Crossover Cable
cable incline fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Cable
cable low chest fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Barbell
barbell bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Chest Press Machine
machine chest press
ChestTriceps+1
Incline Chest Press Machine
machine incline chest press
ChestTriceps+1
Barbell
barbell incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Crossover Cable
cable standing fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Dumbbell
dumbbell fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Crossover Cable
cable standing crossovers
ChestFront Shoulder
High Incline Chest Press Machine
machine high incline hammer chest press
ChestTriceps+1
Barbell
barbell paused incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
None
clap push up
ChestTriceps+1
Bench
bench dip
ChestFront Shoulder
Bench Press
barbell paused bench press
ChestTriceps+1
None
chest tap push up
ChestTriceps+1
Bench
decline push up
ChestTriceps+1
None
dips between chair
ChestTriceps+1
Resistance Band
resistance band push up
ChestTriceps+1
Seated Dip Machine
machine seated dip
ChestTriceps+1
None
wide grip push-up
ChestTriceps+1
Barbell
barbell paused decline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Dip Bar
chest dips
ChestTriceps+1
Bench
bench dip on floor
ChestTriceps+1
None
push up
ChestTriceps+1
Bench
cable lying pullover
ChestBack
Bench
dumbbell close grip bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Dumbbell
push-up row
ChestBack+5
Cable
cable incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Decline Chest Press Machine
machine decline chest press
ChestTriceps+1
Cable
cable bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Barbell
dumbbell incline fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Bench
dumbbell incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Smith Machine
smit-machine bench press
ChestTriceps+1
Smith Machine
smit-machine incline bench press
ChestTriceps+1
None
diamond push up
ChestTriceps+1
None
incline push-up
ChestTriceps+1
None
floor triceps dips
ChestFront Shoulder+1
Resistance Band
assisted chest dip
ChestTriceps+1
Decline Bench
barbell decline bench press
ChestFront Shoulder+2
None
burpee
ChestTriceps+7