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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:
- 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.
- Weight Selection: Choose a weight that is challenging but allows you to maintain proper form throughout the full range of motion.
- Grip: Grasp the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other).
- Body Position: Sit back against the pad with your head resting comfortably. Keep your core engaged and feet planted firmly.
The Lift:
- 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.
- Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the peak of the movement, squeezing your chest muscles for maximum contraction.
- 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
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Seated Fly Machine
machine seated fly
ChestFront Shoulder
Bench
cable lying fly
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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
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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