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Cable Rear Delt Fly

PullIsolationCâbleBeginner
Cable Rear Delt Fly — Starting positionCable Rear Delt Fly — End position

Muscles worked

Front
Back
Shoulders

Instructions

  1. 1Adjust the pulleys to the appropriate height and adjust the weight. The pulleys should be above your head.
  2. 2Grab the left pulley with your right hand and the right pulley with your left hand, crossing them in front of you. This will be your starting position.
  3. 3Initiate the movement by moving your arms back and outward, keeping your arms straight as you execute the movement.
  4. 4Pause at the end of the motion before returning the handles to the start position.

About Cable Rear Delt Fly

The cable rear delt fly isolates the often-neglected posterior deltoid. With the cables crossed, tension stays constant as the arms sweep back and out. This exercise improves posture and balances the front and rear of the shoulder.

check_circleBenefits

  • check_circleTargets the rear delt often neglected during pressing
  • check_circleConstant cable tension with no dead spot
  • check_circleStrengthens posture and shoulder balance

lightbulbExecution tips

  • lightbulbCross the cables and grab the opposite handle
  • lightbulbSweep the arms back while keeping the elbows high
  • lightbulbSqueeze the shoulder blades slightly at the end
  • lightbulbStay upright or leaning based on the pulley height

warningCommon mistakes

  • warningBending and straightening the elbows like a row
  • warningPulling with the traps instead of the rear delt
  • warningUsing loads too heavy that break form
  • warningBringing the hands too low toward the hips

helpFrequently asked questions

How is it different from the face pull?expand_more

The cable fly keeps the arms straight and isolates the rear delt more, while the face pull bends the elbows and recruits the upper back.

What height should I set the pulley?expand_more

A pulley at shoulder height or slightly above gives a good horizontal angle to target the rear of the shoulder.

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