Exercise technique

dumbbell fly

The dumbbell fly is a chest exercise performed lying on a bench, using dumbbells to stretch and contract the pectoral muscles through a wide arc motion.

How do you perform this exercise?

  1. Lie flat on a bench with a dumbbell in each hand, palms facing each other.
  2. Extend your arms straight up over your chest, with a slight bend in your elbows.
  3. Keeping a slight bend in your elbows, lower your arms out to the sides in a wide arc until you feel a stretch in your chest.
  4. Pause for a moment, then reverse the movement and bring the dumbbells back up to the starting position.
  5. Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.

Which other muscles are involved?

Shoulders.

Which programs include it?

How do you log your sets?

How do you track progressive overload?

Source: ExerciseDB catalogue and demonstration. Related movements are options to compare, not equivalent loads or a prescribed progression.

Alternatives to explore

STARK is a strength training tracker for iPhone and Apple Watch. Log sets, repetitions and weights, then follow your progress. Core features are free. Explore STARK’s features