Reverse Cable Fly vs Dumbbell Shrug
Which one fits your Shoulder workout plan?
Contents
Reverse Cable Fly and Dumbbell Shrug are close in use — 1,771 vs 1,194 sessions logged. What separates them is Shoulder loading and form.
Compare the benefits of Reverse Cable Fly and Dumbbell Shrug and pick the one that fits your Shoulder workout.
Reverse Cable Fly vs Dumbbell Shrug: Which Do Planfit Users Choose?
Based on randomly selected data from 1 million completed workouts, Planfit users log Reverse Cable Fly more often — 1,771 sessions compared to 1,194 for Dumbbell Shrug.
What most people do isn't always what fits you. Reverse Cable Fly and Dumbbell Shrug differ in the muscles they work, the equipment they need, and how hard they are to learn — the comparison below covers each.
How Reverse Cable Fly and Dumbbell Shrug Differ
| What differs | Reverse Cable Fly | Dumbbell Shrug |
|---|---|---|
| Muscles worked | rear delts and traps | traps |
| Equipment | a machine | a dumbbell |
| Difficulty | 5 of 5 | 5 of 5 |
| Sessions logged by Planfit users | 1,771 sessions | 1,194 sessions |
How to Do Reverse Cable Fly
Reverse Cable Fly Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Pull the grip to bring your arms beside your body.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- If you excessively fold your wings, the trapezius muscle will be used instead of the rear shoulder, so please be careful.
For a full Reverse Cable Fly guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Reverse Cable Fly exercise guide.
How to Do Dumbbell Shrug
Dumbbell Shrug Muscles Worked: Shoulder
Form
- 1. Please lift the dumbbell while shrugging your shoulders.
- 2. Slowly return to the starting position.
Coach's Tips
- 1. When lowering the dumbbells, do not just drop them; lower them slowly.
- 2. Please ensure that your neck does not protrude excessively forward.
For a full Dumbbell Shrug guide with alternatives and benefits, see the Dumbbell Shrug exercise guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for Shoulder, Reverse Cable Fly or Dumbbell Shrug?
Neither is clearly ahead — Planfit users log both at a similar rate. They both train Shoulder, so the choice comes down to the equipment you have and the muscles you want to load.
Do Reverse Cable Fly and Dumbbell Shrug work the same muscles?
Not quite. Reverse Cable Fly loads rear delts and traps, and Dumbbell Shrug loads traps.
What equipment do Reverse Cable Fly and Dumbbell Shrug need?
Reverse Cable Fly needs a machine, and Dumbbell Shrug needs a dumbbell.
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