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Last updated February 2, 2026
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shoulders

Reverse Fly - Seated (Machine)

Sit with your chest against the pad. Push the handles back in a wide arc. Focus on the muscles behind your shoulders, not your traps.

Quick facts

Difficulty
Easy
Mechanic
Isolation
Force
Pull
Type
Strength
Injury Risk
Low
Hypertrophy
High
Calorie Burn
Low-Medium

Muscle focus

Primary and secondary muscle groups targeted by this movement.

Primary

rear shoulders

Secondary

upper back / rhomboids

Equipment & setup

What you need and how to position yourself before starting.

Equipment

weight machines / selectorized

Movement pattern

Bilateral

Posture

Seated

Tracking parameters

repsweight

Step-by-step instructions

Follow these cues to master proper technique and stay safe through every rep.

  1. Step 1Setup
    • Sit down on the reverse fly machine and adjust the seat height so that the handles are at shoulder level.
    • Ensure that your back is pressed against the backrest and your feet are flat on the floor.
  2. Step 2Adjust the Machine
    • Set the weight on the machine according to your fitness level.
    • Make sure the arm pads are positioned comfortably against your arms.
  3. Step 3Position Your Arms
    • Grasp the handles with your palms facing each other.
    • Keep your elbows slightly bent and your arms extended in front of you.
  4. Step 4Engage Your Core
    • Engage your core muscles to stabilize your body throughout the movement.
    • Keep your shoulders down and away from your ears.
  5. Step 5Perform the Movement
    • Slowly pull the handles out to the sides, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
    • Keep your elbows at shoulder height and avoid using momentum.
  6. Step 6Return to Start
    • Gradually return the handles to the starting position, maintaining control.
    • Do not let the weights touch down completely before starting the next repetition.
  7. Step 7Repeat
    • Continue to perform the exercise for the desired number of repetitions.
    • Focus on maintaining proper form throughout each rep.
  8. Step 8Finish the Exercise
    • After completing your reps, carefully release the handles and sit back in a relaxed position.
    • Make sure to adjust the machine back to its original settings if necessary.
Version 1 · Created November 12, 2025