← Back to library
Last updated February 2, 2026
Media unavailable
chest
Chest Fly - Upper (Cable)
Set pulleys low. Pull the handles upward and together to face height. Focus on squeezing the upper shelf of your chest.
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
upper chest
Secondary
front shoulders
Equipment & setup
What you need and how to position yourself before starting.
Equipment
cable
Movement pattern
Bilateral
Posture
Standing
Tracking parameters
repsweight
Step-by-step instructions
Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.
- Step 1Setup
- Adjust the cable machine to the appropriate height, typically set at shoulder level.
- Select the desired weight on the cable machine.
- Step 2Grab the Handles
- Stand in the center of the cable machine with one handle in each hand.
- Use an overhand grip to hold the handles with your palms facing forward.
- Step 3Position Your Body
- Step slightly forward to create tension in the cables while keeping your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Engage your core and maintain a slight bend in your elbows.
- Step 4Start the Movement
- With your elbows slightly bent, pull the handles out to the sides in a wide arc.
- Focus on squeezing your chest muscles as you bring the handles outward.
- Step 5Return to Starting Position
- Slowly bring the handles back together in front of your chest, maintaining control throughout the movement.
- Keep your elbows slightly bent and avoid locking them out.
- Step 6Repeat
- Perform the desired number of repetitions, ensuring proper form and control with each rep.
- Focus on the contraction of your chest muscles during each repetition.
- Step 7Finish the Exercise
- After completing your reps, carefully release the handles and step back from the cable machine.
- Ensure that you maintain a straight posture as you finish the exercise.