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Exercise Guide
How to do cable low chest fly
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The cable low chest fly is a variation of the chest fly that specifically targets the upper pectoral muscles. By setting the pulleys at a low position and pulling the handles upward and inward, you emphasize the clavicular head of the chest. This movement is excellent for creating a full, balanced chest and providing a strong stretch and peak contraction that is difficult to achieve with free weights.
Stats
TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Cable Machine: Adjust the cable pulleys to their highest position.
- Attachment: Attach a D-handle to each pulley.
- Stance: Stand between the two pulleys with a staggered stance, feet shoulder-width apart, and one foot slightly forward for stability.
- Grip: Reach forward and grasp a handle in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Body Position: Step forward, lean slightly forward from your hips, keeping your back straight, chest up, and core engaged.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Fly: With a slight bend in your elbows, bring your hands together in front of your lower torso in an upward arcing motion. Focus on contracting your chest muscles as your hands come together.
- Squeeze and Hold: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing your chest muscles for maximum contraction.
- Controlled Return: Slowly return your arms to the starting position, extending your elbows and resisting the pull of the cables.
Tips:
- Elbow Bend: Maintain a slight bend in your elbows throughout the entire movement to protect your joints.
- Focus on the Chest: Concentrate on using your chest muscles rather than just moving your arms.
- Control the Movement: Perform the exercise with a slow and controlled tempo, avoiding any jerking or swinging motions.
Common mistakes: Bending the elbows too much, turning it into a press, and failing to squeeze the lower chest at the peak.
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