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Exercise Guide

How to do machine seated reverse fly(parallel grip)

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

The machine seated reverse fly with a parallel grip is an isolation exercise specifically designed to target the posterior deltoids and rhomboids. By sitting facing the machine and pulling the handles outward, you strengthen the muscles responsible for pulling the shoulders back. This exercise is vital for improving posture, shoulder health, and developing the rear portion of the shoulder complex for balance.

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 with your chest firmly pressed against the pad.
  2. Handle Height: Adjust the handles so they are at shoulder height.
  3. Grip: Grasp the handles with a parallel grip (palms facing each other, thumbs pointing up).
  4. Elbow Position: Slightly bend your elbows and position them at shoulder height as well.

The Lift:

  1. Initiate the Fly: Exhale and pull the handles apart and backward, leading with your elbows. Focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  2. Extend Backwards: Continue pulling until your elbows are slightly behind your body.
  3. Hold and Squeeze: Pause briefly at the end of the movement, feeling the contraction in your rear delts (back of the shoulders) and upper back muscles.
  4. Controlled Return: Inhale and slowly return the handles back to the starting position, resisting the weight as it comes forward.

Tips:

  • Focus on the Rear Delts: Concentrate on using your rear deltoid muscles to pull the handles back.
  • Elbow Position: Keep your elbows elevated and slightly bent throughout the movement.
  • Control the Movement: Avoid swinging your arms or using momentum. The movement should be smooth and controlled.
  • Variation: You can also perform this exercise with a pronated grip (palms facing down).

Common mistakes: Leading with the hands instead of the elbows, shrugging the shoulders up, and overextending at the back of the movement.

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