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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:

  1. Cable Machine: Adjust the cable pulleys to their highest position.
  2. Attachment: Attach a D-handle to each pulley.
  3. Stance: Stand between the two pulleys with a staggered stance, feet shoulder-width apart, and one foot slightly forward for stability.
  4. Grip: Reach forward and grasp a handle in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
  5. Body Position: Step forward, lean slightly forward from your hips, keeping your back straight, chest up, and core engaged.

The Lift:

  1. 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.
  2. Squeeze and Hold: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing your chest muscles for maximum contraction.
  3. 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