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Exercise Guide
How to do cable standing fly
Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.
The cable standing fly is a popular chest exercise that provides constant tension across the pectoral muscles. Unlike dumbbells, cables offer resistance throughout the entire arc of the movement, especially at the peak contraction. By standing between the pulleys and pulling the handles together in a hugging motion, you can effectively sculpt the inner chest and improve muscular endurance while maintaining a stable, upright posture.
Stats
TIER
2
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Crossover Cable
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Front Shoulder
Instructions for Proper Form
Setup:
- Cable Machine: Set the pulleys of a cable crossover machine to about shoulder height or slightly above.
- Attachment: Attach a D-handle to each pulley.
- Stance: Stand between the pulleys with a staggered stance (one foot slightly forward) for balance.
- Grip: Grasp a handle in each hand with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) and take a small step forward, creating slight tension on the cables.
The Lift:
- Initiate the Fly: With a slight bend in your elbows, bring the handles together in an arcing motion until they meet in front of your chest. Focus on squeezing your chest muscles.
- Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the top of the movement, squeezing your chest for a peak contraction.
- Controlled Return: Slowly return your arms to the starting position, extending your elbows and resisting the pull of the cables. Avoid letting the weights touch down.
Tips:
- Elbow Position: Maintain a slight bend in your elbows throughout the entire movement.
- Focus on the Chest: Concentrate on using your chest muscles rather than just moving your arms. Imagine hugging a large tree.
- Control the Movement: Perform the exercise with a slow and controlled tempo, avoiding any jerking or swinging motions.
- Variations: You can experiment with different arm angles and body positions to target different parts of your chest.
Common mistakes: Pressing the handles together like a bench press instead of hugging a wide arc, and leaning too far forward.
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