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Chest

Incline cable flye: how to do it right

These are flyes lying on an incline bench between two low pulleys. They work your upper chest with constant tension throughout the movement.

Main muscle
Chest
Also works
Front delts
Equipment
Low cables and incline bench
Level
Intermediate
Incline cable flye: start position
Start position
Incline cable flye: end position
End position

Step by step

  1. Place an incline bench at about 30° between two pulleys set at the lowest position.
  2. Lie back with a handle in each hand and your arms open, elbows slightly bent.
  3. Bring your hands together in an arc over your chest.
  4. Squeeze for a second at the top and open slowly until you feel your chest stretch.

Tip: If there's no bench near the cables, the standing low cable crossover works a similar area.

Common mistakes

Bending your elbows to come up

If your elbows move, your triceps join in. Keep the same angle.

Bench off centre

If the bench isn't centred between the pulleys, one arm works more. Centre it before starting.

Opening too far

Stop when your hands reach bench level, without straining your shoulder.

Sets and reps

Guide ranges. Start with a weight where the last rep is hard but your technique holds.

GoalSetsRepsRest
Strength3–53–62–3 min
Build muscle3–46–121.5–2 min
Health and fitness2–310–151 min

In GymOrbita you log every set and the app suggests the weight for your next session based on what you did last time.

Alternatives

If the machine is busy or you want a variation:

FAQ

Flat or incline?

The incline focuses on your upper chest; the flat version on the middle. You can alternate.

General technique information, not a substitute for professional advice. If you have an injury or pain, check with a doctor or physiotherapist first.

Add incline cable flye to your routine

GymOrbita has this exercise with its animation: log the weight and reps of every set and track your progress. Free.