Standing Cable Fly: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Author Claude Michael

Written By: Claude Michael

Updated: Oct 13, 2024

Workout Standing Cable Fly
Primary Muscle Group Chest
Secondary Muscle Group Shoulders, Triceps
Equipment Required Cable
Force Type Push
Mechanics Isolation
Exercise Type Strength
Difficulty Beginner

Standing Cable Fly: Video Tutorial & Exercise Guide

Muscle Groups

Primary Muscle Group

Chest Muscle Exercises

Secondary Muscles Group

Standing Cable Fly: Step-by-Step Guide

  • Step 1: Set the pulleys of a cable machine to shoulder height and attach handles to each side. Stand between the two pulleys and grasp each handle with your palms facing forward.
  • Step 2: Step forward with one foot, engaging your core and keeping a slight bend in your elbows. Your arms should be out to your sides in line with your shoulders.
  • Step 3: With a slight bend in your elbows, bring your arms forward in a wide arc, focusing on squeezing your chest as your hands meet in front of your body.
  • Step 4: Pause briefly at the peak of the movement, then slowly reverse the motion to return to the starting position, keeping control of the cables throughout.
  • Step 5: Repeat for the desired number of reps, ensuring you maintain a slight bend in your elbows and focus on engaging your chest muscles.

Standing Cable Fly: Overview

The Standing Cable Fly is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the pectoral muscles (chest) while also engaging the shoulders and stabilizing muscles in the core. Using cables allows for constant tension throughout the range of motion, leading to better muscle activation compared to free weights.

This exercise is great for improving chest shape and size, making it a popular choice for bodybuilders and strength athletes. It can be adjusted for all fitness levels by modifying the weight and pulley height.

Standing Cable Fly: Benefits

The Standing Cable Fly is effective for isolating the chest muscles, helping to build muscle size and strength while improving upper body aesthetics. The cables create constant tension, which enhances muscle activation and allows for a more controlled movement than dumbbells.

This exercise also engages the core and stabilizing muscles, improving balance and control. It’s a great addition to any upper body workout for those looking to target the chest while maintaining stability and coordination.

Standing Cable Fly: Pro Tips & Advanced Techniques

Keep a slight bend in your elbows to protect your shoulder joints. Focus on using your chest to bring the handles togClaude, not your arms or shoulders. To increase intensity, slow down the eccentric (lowering) phase or pause at the top of the movement. You can also adjust the pulley height to target different areas of the chest—higher for lower chest emphasis, and lower for upper chest activation.

Standing Cable Fly: Progression Plan

Beginner

Sets: 2-3
Reps: 10-12
Progression Tips: Start with lighter weights to focus on form and control. Ensure you're able to maintain constant tension throughout the movement.

Intermediate

Sets: 3-4
Reps: 12-15
Progression Tips: Increase the weight slightly, focusing on controlled reps and avoiding any jerky movements.

Advanced

Sets: 4-5
Reps: 15-20
Progression Tips: Use heavier weights and slow down the eccentric phase, or add pauses at the peak of the movement to increase time under tension.

Standing Cable Flys: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What muscles do Standing Cable Flys target?

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This exercise primarily targets the chest (pectoralis major) while also engaging the shoulders and core stabilizers.

Is the Standing Cable Fly suitable for beginners?

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Yes, the Standing Cable Fly can be performed by beginners with lighter weights to focus on proper form. Adjust the cable height and weight as needed to ensure control.

How often should I perform Standing Cable Flys?

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Include this exercise in your upper body or chest workout 1-2 times per week, allowing for adequate recovery between sessions.

What common mistakes should I avoid?

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Avoid locking out your elbows or using your arms and shoulders to lift the weight. Focus on controlled, slow movements and keep the tension on your chest muscles.

How can I make Standing Cable Flys more challenging?

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To increase difficulty, slow down the lowering phase or add a pause at the peak of the movement. You can also adjust the cable height to target different areas of the chest.

Releted Exercises