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Exercise Guide

How to do machine seated reverse fly

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

The machine seated reverse fly is an effective way to isolate the posterior deltoids and upper back muscles like the rhomboids. The fixed path of the machine helps eliminate momentum, ensuring that the rear delts perform the majority of the work. This exercise is crucial for maintaining shoulder health and achieving a balanced look, especially for those who perform a lot of chest pressing movements.

Stats

TIER
1
DIFFICULTY
Untrained to Advanced
EQUIPMENT
Seated Fly Machine
TARGET MUSCLES
Rear Shoulder

Instructions for Proper Form

Setup:

  1. Seat Adjustment: Sit on the machine, facing the pads. Adjust the seat height so the handles are roughly aligned with your chest when your arms are extended forward.
  2. Chest Pad: Ensure your chest is firmly pressed against the pad throughout the entire movement.
  3. Grip: Grasp the handles with a neutral grip (palms facing each other) or a pronated grip (palms facing down), depending on your preference and the machine design.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Fly: Exhale and pull the handles back, opening your arms wide, leading with your elbows. Keep your back straight and imagine pulling your shoulder blades together.
  2. Peak Contraction: Pause briefly at the end of the movement, feeling the contraction in your rear delts (back of the shoulders) and upper back muscles.
  3. Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the handles back to the starting position, resisting the weight as it comes forward.

Tips:

  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows slightly bent and pointing upwards throughout the movement.
  • Focus on the Rear Delts: Concentrate on using your rear deltoid muscles to pull the handles back. Avoid using momentum or swinging your body.
  • Avoid Excessive Movement: Keep your torso stable and avoid arching your back as you pull.
  • Variations: Some machines allow you to adjust the angle of the movement. Experiment to find the position that best targets your rear deltoids.

Common mistakes: Leading with the hands instead of the elbows, shrugging the shoulders up, and letting the weight plates slam between reps.

Alternatives

Seated Fly Machine

machine seated reverse fly(parallel grip)

Rear Shoulder
Cable

cable rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Crossover Cable

cable crossover reverse fly

Rear Shoulder
Seated Fly Machine

machine seated reverse fly

Rear Shoulder
Cable

cable seated rear lateral raise

Rear ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell incline rear lateral raise

Rear ShoulderLateral Shoulder
Cable

cable standing rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Bench

dumbbell rear delt row

Rear Shoulder
Resistance Band

resistance band kneeling face pull

Rear Shoulder
Dumbbell

dumbbell rear delt raise

Rear ShoulderTraps
Squat Rack

band standing rear delt row

Rear Shoulder