Dumbbell Fly vs Incline Cable Fly
Which one fits your Chest workout plan?
Contents
Planfit users log Dumbbell Fly more often — 6,000 sessions vs 147. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.
Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Fly and Incline Cable Fly and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.
Dumbbell Fly vs Incline Cable Fly: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Fly more often — 6,000 sessions compared to 147 for Incline Cable Fly.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Fly and Incline Cable Fly differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Dumbbell Fly and Incline Cable Fly Differ
| What differs | Dumbbell Fly | Incline Cable Fly |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment | a dumbbell | a machine |
| Difficulty | 4 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 6,000 sessions | 147 sessions |
How to Do Dumbbell Fly
Dumbbell Fly Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Slightly bend your arms and lower the dumbbells to chest height.
- 2. Slowly lift the dumbbells back to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please use light weights as this exercise can put strain on your shoulders.
- 2. If you experience shoulder pain, please stop and switch to another exercise.
- 3. Be careful not to fully extend your arms.
For a full Dumbbell Fly guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Fly exercise guide.
How to Do Incline Cable Fly
Incline Cable Fly Muscles Worked: Chest
Form
- 1. Please lower your hands to chest height with your arms slightly bent.
- 2. Slowly raise your hands to return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. Please use light weights as this exercise can strain your shoulders.
- 2. If you experience shoulder pain, stop and substitute with another exercise.
- 3. Be careful not to fully extend your arms.
For a full Incline Cable Fly guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Incline Cable Fly exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Fly or Incline Cable Fly?
Planfit users log Dumbbell Fly more often — 6,000 sessions against 147 for Incline Cable Fly. Both train Chest, so pick the one that matches the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
What equipment do Dumbbell Fly and Incline Cable Fly need?
Dumbbell Fly needs a dumbbell, and Incline Cable Fly needs a machine.
Which is easier to start with?
Dumbbell Fly is the easier place to start. Move to Incline Cable Fly once your form holds up.
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