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Cable Fly Low

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Intermediate

A cable isolation movement that targets the upper chest and anterior deltoids to build muscle definition; performed by pulling handles from a low position upward in an arc.

About Exercise

Equipment

Crossover Cable Machine

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Secondary Muscles

Biceps

Popularity Score

8

Goals

Hypertrophy
Strength

Training Style

Bodybuilding

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Chest

10/10

Upper Chest

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts

Biceps

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Set both pulleys to the lowest position on a cable crossover machine. Stand in the center, grab handles with palms facing forward, and take a step forward to create tension, staggering your feet for stability.

  1. Keep a slight bend in your elbows and chest up.
  2. Pull the handles upward and inward in a wide arc until hands meet at chest height.
  3. Squeeze the upper chest hard at the top of the movement.
  4. Slowly lower the handles back to the starting position along the same path.
  5. Maintain tension on the cables throughout the rep.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Lead with chest
  • Scoop up and in
  • Keep elbows fixed
  • Squeeze at the top

Breathing

Exhale as you pull the handles up and together; inhale as you lower them back down.

Tempo

3-1-1

Range of Motion

Start with arms extended low behind the torso; end with hands touching at upper chest level.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid excessive stretch at the bottom
  • Control the weight on the way down
  • Keep core engaged to protect lower back

Spotting

Spotting is not recommended; use machine safeties or drop handles if necessary.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum
  • Bending elbows too much
  • Shrugging shoulders
  • Arching lower back

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Recent chest strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder horizontal adduction
  • Basic shoulder flexion

Build Up First

  • Familiarity with cable machines
  • Proper mind-muscle connection for chest

Also known as

Low Cable Fly, Low to High Cable Crossover, Standing Low Cable Fly, Cable Chest Fly Low

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