Incline Cable Fly

An incline cable fly targeting the upper chest through horizontal adduction under constant tension. Useful for lifters emphasizing clavicular pec development without heavy pressing.

Beginner Isolation Cable machineAdjustable bench
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How to do the Incline Cable Fly

  1. Adjust the bench to a slight angle between the cable machines.
  2. Lie back with your feet flat and hold a handle in each hand.
  3. With a slight bend in your elbows, pull the handles together.
  4. Feel a squeeze in your chest as your hands meet above your chest.
  5. Slowly return to the starting position, feeling a stretch.
Full technique — 7 steps
  1. Set a bench to a low-to-moderate incline and place it centered between the pulleys.
  2. Attach single handles to the low pulleys and lie back with feet planted firmly.
  3. Grip the handles and start with arms opened wide, elbows slightly bent, palms facing inward.
  4. Pull your shoulder blades back into the bench.
  5. Sweep your arms upward and inward in a wide arc until your hands meet above upper chest level.
  6. Squeeze your chest briefly without turning the movement into a press.
  7. Open your arms back out along the same arc until you reach a loaded chest stretch.

Common mistakes

  • Pressing the handles like a chest press
  • Straightening or bending elbows mid-rep
  • Letting shoulders shrug toward ears
  • Cutting the stretch short
  • Hands meeting too low

Form cues

  • Slight elbow bend
  • Hug in a wide arc
  • Meet above upper chest
  • Keep shoulders down
  • Open to full stretch

Substitutes & similar