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Exercise Guide

How to do machine seated fly

Master the setup, range of motion, and tempo for safer, more effective reps.

The machine seated fly is a popular isolation exercise used to target and define the pectoral muscles. By using a machine, you remove the need to stabilize free weights, allowing you to focus entirely on the squeeze and stretch of the chest. This movement is perfect for adding volume to your chest workout and achieving a deep muscular pump without straining the shoulder joints excessively.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Seated Fly Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Chest, Front Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Seat Adjustment: Adjust the seat height so the handles are aligned with your mid-chest when your arms are fully extended. Your feet should be flat on the floor.
  2. Weight Selection: Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain proper form throughout the full range of motion.
  3. Grip: Grasp the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
  4. Body Position: Sit back against the pad with your head resting comfortably. Keep your core engaged and feet planted firmly.

The Lift:

  1. Bring Handles Together: Exhale and slowly bring the handles together in front of your chest, keeping a slight bend in your elbows. Focus on squeezing your chest muscles as the handles meet.
  2. Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the peak of the movement, squeezing your chest muscles for maximum contraction.
  3. Return to Start: Inhale and slowly return the handles back to the starting position, resisting the weight as you extend your arms.

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.
  • Control the Movement: Avoid using momentum or bouncing the weight. Perform the exercise with a slow and controlled tempo, both in the pulling and returning phases.

Common mistakes: Pressing the back away from the pad and clashing the handles together at the center which loses tension.

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