Nina Ponath

November 8, 2026, 5:45 pm | Read time: 7 minutes

“Cable flys”–what exactly is that? There are numerous terms circulating online for the exercise: “Cable Crossover,” “Chest Flys,” “Butterflys on the Cable,” or “Cable Cross” all essentially mean the same thing. It’s a very effective exercise where a weight is brought together in front of the chest with outstretched arms. Ideal for strengthening this muscle group. Switching from the machine version to the cable version could definitely be worthwhile.

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Cable Flys: What Makes This Exercise So Effective?

Cable flys are included in almost every training plan for a reason. Depending on the target muscles, this exercise can be performed in different ways, making it a true all-rounder: By varying the direction of the cables, you can primarily train the lower, middle, or upper chest. Flys can thus cover all muscle areas of the chest. Those who enjoy variety can perform this exercise lying down, standing, in a bent-over stance, with one leg forward, or in an upright position. Cable flys can also be done with one arm or both arms simultaneously.

Compared to Dumbbells and the Machine

Dumbbells

The cable version is likely superior to the dumbbell variation in terms of muscle stimulation. This can be explained with a brief excursion into physics: The tension curve in dumbbell flys is ultimately solely due to gravity, which can lead to potential disadvantages in the end position of the execution. The end position is reached when the dumbbells are almost vertically above the chest muscles with outstretched arms. In this position, the muscles hardly have to work anymore, and the weight rests on the joints. In cable training, the tension remains constant, and the chest muscle is still fully loaded at the end of the execution.¹ Additionally, with the cable, the hands can even cross in the end position, possibly forcing additional muscle tension. This is not possible with dumbbells. Their movement execution ends with hanging vertically over the chest.

Machine

A fundamental characteristic of most machines is that they prescribe a fixed movement path. This can have the advantage of requiring less stabilization, allowing you to focus more on the load of the target muscle. At the same time, such a movement path may not optimally fit your own anatomy. With the cable, the movement can be more individually adapted to your own anatomy.²

Why It’s Beneficial to Train the Chest

Why is a well-trained chest beneficial? A strong, well-trained chest is undoubtedly an eye-catcher. Besides the visual component, a strong chest is also advisable from a health perspective. Strong chest muscles prevent postural damage and stabilize the upper body. In addition to posture and stabilization of the upper body, the chest muscle is also responsible for various arm movements. The chest muscle controls the movement of the arms forward (especially horizontally), lifts the arms forward and upward, rotates the shoulders inward, and works statically, such as in support on parallel bars. The chest muscles are also part of the auxiliary respiratory muscles and are therefore of central importance for effective breathing under exertion. The better your chest muscles are trained, the easier other exercises will be for you.

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The Different Execution Options

Depending on the direction of the cables, different areas of the chest muscles can be trained.

The Most Popular Execution Options for Different Muscle Groups:

For the Middle Chest – Cable Crossover

With the help of the Cable Crossover, you can primarily train the middle area of the large chest muscle (musculus pectoralis major). At the same time, you can strengthen the front part of the deltoid muscle (musculus deltoideus pars clavicularis).

Proper execution is crucial for maximizing the full potential of the exercise.

• Start in an upright starting position, followed by a step forward.
• The knees are slightly bent, and it’s essential to maintain a straight spine.
• The arms are now stretched out to the side to grab the handles of the cable.
• The entire upper body is tensed.
• Both arms are moved forward evenly in an outstretched state and at a moderate pace so that they meet in the middle in front of the body. A height slightly below the chest should be chosen.
• The elbows remain slightly bent during execution to avoid joint damage. The forward movement is for exhaling, while the backward movement to the starting position is for inhaling.

For the Lower Chest – Cable Fly

The lower chest muscles are trained with the Cable Fly. During the downward movement, the lower fibers (musculus pectoralis major) are strengthened. At the same time, the anterior serratus muscle (musculus serratus anterior) is stimulated.

• This fitness exercise is performed standing.
• Both handles of the cable are taken from the top end.
• To protect the spine, a slight arch in the lower back should be maintained.
• The knees and elbows are slightly bent.
• A smooth execution of movement is advisable to ensure effective muscle engagement.
• From the starting position, the cables are pulled forward and downward without momentum.
• It should be ensured that the weight remains continuously in the air.

For the Upper Chest – Cable Fly

The upper chest can be trained from bottom to top using the Cable Fly. This exercise targets the upper area of the chest muscle (musculus pectoralis major). Additionally, the front shoulder muscle (musculus deltoideus pars clavicularis) is increasingly stimulated. The entire movement is supported by the anterior serratus muscle (musculus serratus anterior).

• For the Cable Fly from bottom to top, first place the left foot forward.
• The lunge forms the starting position and provides more stability during execution.
• The upper body is straight, and a slight arch in the lower back is formed.
• The elbows and wrists are slightly bent to minimize the risk of joint injury.
• The lower handles of the cable are used to perform the Cable Fly upward.
• The execution is similar to the other training variants.
• The cables are guided from bottom to top, and the upper chest muscles are actively tensed during this process.
• The upward movement is for exhaling, while the downward movement is for inhaling.
• Here, too, it should be ensured that the weight remains in the air to fully utilize training efficiency.

Cable Flys: These Are the Most Common Mistakes

Cable flys are not entirely without danger. To avoid injuries, make sure that elbows and knees are slightly bent. Otherwise, painful joint injuries may occur. The exercise should also be performed completely without momentum–too much momentum reduces the training stimulus! Given the many different variations of the chest exercise, it is advisable to clarify the training goal beforehand and train accordingly.

A final tip: Train the chest first and then the biceps or triceps. If you don’t follow the order, the triceps will fail when training the chest, and the exercises will be sloppy.