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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:

  1. Bench position: Set an incline bench roughly halfway between two cable pulley stations. Adjust the angle to a comfortable incline (usually 30-45 degrees).
  2. Cable height: Adjust the cable pulleys to a low position, slightly above the floor.
  3. Grip: Grab a handle in each hand with palms facing each other. Lie back on the bench, maintaining your core tightness.

The Lift:

  1. Starting Position: Extend your arms out to your sides, maintaining a slight bend in your elbows. This is your starting position.
  2. The Arc: In a controlled arcing motion, bring your hands together in front of your chest, maintaining the slight bend throughout.
  3. Squeeze: At the top of the movement, briefly squeeze your chest muscles.
  4. Reverse the movement: Slowly return to the starting position, following the same arcing path.
  5. 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