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Last updated February 2, 2026
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chest
Chest Fly - Single Arm, Standing (Cable)
Stand sideways to cable. Pull one handle across your body to the center line. Keep arm slightly bent.
Quick facts
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Mechanic
- Isolation
- Force
- Push
- Type
- Strength
- Injury Risk
- Moderate
- Hypertrophy
- High
- Calorie Burn
- Medium
Muscle focus
Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.
Primary
chest
Secondary
side abs / obliques
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
cable
Movement pattern
Unilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Stand next to a cable machine with the pulley set at the lowest position.
- Attach a single handle to the cable and adjust the weight to a manageable level.
- Step 2Grab the Handle
- With your right hand, grasp the handle of the cable with a neutral grip (palm facing in).
- Step away from the machine to create tension in the cable while keeping your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Engage your core and maintain a slight bend in your knees.
- Stand tall with your shoulders back and down, and keep your left hand on your hip or extended for balance.
- Step 4Perform the Fly
- With a slight bend in your elbow, pull the handle out to the side in a wide arc, keeping your elbow slightly bent throughout the movement.
- Focus on squeezing your chest muscles as you bring your hand out to the side.
- Step 5Return to Start
- Slowly bring the handle back to the starting position, maintaining control and tension in your chest.
- Ensure that you do not let the weight stack touch down completely between repetitions.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions on one side before switching to the other arm.
- Maintain proper form and control throughout each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your sets, carefully release the handle and step back towards the machine.
- Ensure the weight is safely secured before leaving the area.