Cable rear delt fly should be your top priority in your workout routine.If you want to build well balanced and injury resistant shoulders.As we know, posterior deltoids are neglected in all usual exercises. Cable reverse fly exercise targets them directly. It helps to improve shoulder stability and overall upper body physique.
Whether you are a bodybuilder or a gym goer, rear delt cable fly machines offer remarkable muscle transformation. In this article we will discuss everything you need to know, from how to do cable rear delt fly to rear delt fly variations.
What Is the Cable Rear Delt Fly?
The cable rear delt fly is a targeted exercise specifically designed to strengthen rear deltoids that are the muscles located at the back side of your shoulders. This exercise is performed using a rear delt fly cable machine. It compresses and stresses targeted muscles continuously which makes it more effective and precise.
You experience a “rear delt reverse fly” motion,Where you extend your arms in and out while maintaining a slight bend in elbows. The main thing is to move only shoulders,not the arms. When you perform “rear delt fly proper form”, it will truly target only the isolated rear delts.
This exercise is beneficial for both beginners and advanced lifters, It not only enhances shoulder aesthetics but also improves shoulder alignments and balances your upper body.
Targeted Muscles in Cable Rear Delt Fly
- Posterior Deltoids (primary target)
- Rhomboids
- Trapezius (lower & mid)
- Rotator cuff stabilizers (secondary)
Benefits for Beginners and Bodybuilders
- Improves shoulder alignment and completes the 3D shoulder look
- Enhances posture by strengthening commonly neglected muscles
- Reduces risk of injury during compound lifts like bench press or overhead press
- Ideal for beginners due to the controlled, adjustable feature
How to Do Cable Rear Delt Fly with Proper Form
It is very essential to learn the correct form of cable rear delt fly if you truly want to target rear deltoids without having any injury or strain. Whether you are a bodybuilder or a beginner, you can start rear delt fly cable form by following the step by step routine.
Step-by-Step Guide: Rear Delt Fly Cable Machine
- Set up the cables:
Attach single-handle grips to both upper pulleys of a cable crossover machine. Set the pulleys slightly above your shoulder height. - Position your body.
Stand in the center of the machine, facing toward it. Grab the cable arms crossed in front of you for example, grab the left cable with your right hand and the right cable with your left hand. - Stagger your stance.
Place one foot slightly in front of the other for balance. Keep a slight bend in your knees and engage yourself actively. - Begin the movement.
With a slight bend in your elbows, pull the handles outward and backward in a reverse rear delt fly motion. Focus on moving from the shoulders, not the arms. - Squeeze and control.
At the peak of the movement, squeeze your rear delts and upper back. Then slowly return to the starting position with control. - Repeat.
Perform 10–15 reps for 3–4 sets. It depends on your training goals.
Cable Rear Delt Fly Variations
We have different variations of cable rear delt fly which allows you to find the best version that best fits for training your rear deltoids. This exercise hits rear deltoids differently. Whether you want to isolate one shoulder at a time or maintain the angles of your shoulders these cable fly variations are amazing techniques for both beginners and professionals.
Single Arm Cable Rear Delt Fly
Do you want to align your imbalanced shoulders? This exercise is just for you. This variation will help you to isolate each shoulder separately. It is best for unilateral strength building. The cable rear delt form remains the same but the difference is, you are moving your one shoulder at a time.
How to do it:
- Stand sideways to the cable machine.
- Set the pulley slightly above shoulder height.
- Hold the handle with the arm farthest from the machine.
- Pull the handle outward and back in a reverse fly motion, then return slowly.
High Cable Rear Delt Fly
It is also another effective variation of cable rear delt fly. It specifically targets the upper back and rear deltoids with extra stretch. It is well known for upper back activation and increased range of motion.
How to do it:
- Set the pulleys above head height.
- Cross the cables and pull downward and outward in a controlled arc.
Cross Cable Rear Delt Fly
This version of reverse fly delts keeps constant tension throughout the movement and gives a deep contraction in the rear delts. It is well known for its consistent resistance.
How to do it:
- Stand in the center of the cable machine.
- Grab opposite side handles (left cable in right hand, right cable in left).
- Pull the cables back in an X-pattern, focusing on rear delts.
Bent Over Cable Rear Delt Fly
You can also perform rear delt fly with cable in a bent over position.This variation has a deeper impact on the bottom and lower muscles. It is common among the professional trainers who target mid traps and rear delts. This posture shifts the emphasis lower and gives a deeper stretch at the bottom. All you have to do is to fix the pulley on the floor and perform the exercise in a bent over position.
How to do it:
- Use low pulley settings.
- Hinge at the hips like a traditional bent-over row.
- Perform the fly movement in a horizontal plane.
Standing Cable Rear Delt Fly
Rear delt fly with cable is the standard version. It is simple, effective, and perfect for most training programs.
How to do it:
- Stand between two medium-height pulleys.
- Perform the reverse fly in a controlled motion while standing upright.
Why Should You Choose Cable Rear Delt Fly?
Here are few benefits that tells why should you choose cable rear delt fly:
Constant Tension
It is best for providing resistance through the entire range of motion. It is simply effective and amazing.
Adjustability
The device cable is super adjustable. You can easily modify the string’s height, weight, and position.
Precision Form
This variation of rear delt fly simply encourages controlled movements and focuses main muscles.
Beginner-Friendly
It is easy to learn and we have low risk of injury when proper form of cable rear delt fly is performed correctly.
FAQs About Cable Rear Delt Fly
Final Thoughts: Why Every Gym-Goer Should Master the Cable Rear Delt Fly
To sum up all, we concluded that the cable rear delt fly is an amazing shoulder exercise that deserves to be a priority in your workout program. Its excellent features, like constant tension, targeting versatile angles, and precise control make it superior to many other traditional rear delt fly movements.
By mastering variations like the single-arm cable rear delt fly, high cable rear delt fly, and bent-over cable fly, you’ll achieve shoulder stability, posture correction, and upper body balance. Don’t forget, if you’re training at home, the rear delt fly with resistance bands is an effective alternative to keep those gains going.