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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:

  1. Cable Machine: Set the pulleys of a cable crossover machine to about shoulder height or slightly above.
  2. Attachment: Attach a D-handle to each pulley.
  3. Stance: Stand between the pulleys with a staggered stance (one foot slightly forward) for balance.
  4. 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:

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