Dumbbell Pullover vs Incline Cable Fly

Which one fits your Chest workout plan?

Contents

Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions vs 147. Compare Chest form, muscles worked, and when to use each.

Compare the benefits of Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Cable Fly and pick the one that fits your Chest workout.

Dumbbell Pullover vs Incline Cable Fly: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?

Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 sessions compared to 147 for Incline Cable Fly.

What most people do isn't always what fits you. Dumbbell Pullover 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 Pullover and Incline Cable Fly Differ

What differsDumbbell PulloverIncline Cable Fly
Muscles workedchest, back, and tricepschest, biceps, and front delts
Equipmenta dumbbella machine
Difficulty4 of 55 of 5
Sessions logged by Planfit users4,159 sessions147 sessions

Related comparisons

Not sure whether Dumbbell Pullover or Incline Cable Fly fits your goal? Get a personalized plan

How to Do Dumbbell Pullover

Dumbbell Pullover demo video

Dumbbell Pullover Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Slowly lower the dumbbell above your head.
  2. 2. At this time, your chest and back should be sufficiently stretched.
  3. 3. Slowly lift the dumbbell to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. If you feel pain in the front of your shoulder or chest, or if it is difficult to lower the dumbbell above the top of your head, do not overexert yourself and lower it only as much as you can, and adjust to a lighter dumbbell.
  2. 2. Engage your abs to protect your lower back so that your lower back does not overarch.

For a full Dumbbell Pullover guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Pullover exercise guide.

Want to learn more about Dumbbell Pullover?Exercise Guide

How to Do Incline Cable Fly

Incline Cable Fly demo video

Incline Cable Fly Muscles Worked: Chest

Form

  1. 1. Please lower your hands to chest height with your arms slightly bent.
  2. 2. Slowly raise your hands to return to the starting position.

Coach's Tips

  1. 1. Please use light weights as this exercise can strain your shoulders.
  2. 2. If you experience shoulder pain, stop and substitute with another exercise.
  3. 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.

Want to learn more about Incline Cable Fly?Exercise Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for Chest, Dumbbell Pullover or Incline Cable Fly?

Planfit users log Dumbbell Pullover more often — 4,159 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.

Do Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Cable Fly work the same muscles?

Not quite. Dumbbell Pullover loads chest, back, and triceps, and Incline Cable Fly loads chest, biceps, and front delts.

What equipment do Dumbbell Pullover and Incline Cable Fly need?

Dumbbell Pullover needs a dumbbell, and Incline Cable Fly needs a machine.

Which is easier to start with?

Dumbbell Pullover is the easier place to start. Move to Incline Cable Fly once your form holds up.

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