High-to-Low Cable Fly

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Intermediate

A cable machine isolation exercise that targets the lower chest for hypertrophy and definition; emphasizes constant tension through a high-to-low arc, commonly used to sculpt the pectorals.

About Exercise

Equipment

Crossover Cable Machine, Handle Cable Attachment

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Secondary Muscles

Triceps, Abs, Obliques

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

Lower Chest

Shoulders

7/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

5/10

Abs

3/10

Obliques

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Set both cable pulleys high above head height with D-handles attached. Stand centered facing away, step forward to create tension, stagger feet for stability, and extend arms out with slight elbow bend.

  1. Exhale and arc hands forward and down in a wide hug motion.
  2. Squeeze chest at midline in front of hips.
  3. Pause briefly to contract pectorals.
  4. Inhale and slowly reverse arms back to start in controlled arc.
  5. Maintain slight elbow bend throughout.
  6. Keep shoulders retracted and core engaged.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Hug a tree
  • Squeeze at bottom
  • Elbows fixed
  • Chest out
  • No shoulder shrug

Breathing

Inhale during the release phase; exhale and brace core while pulling handles together.

Tempo

3-1-2

Range of Motion

Start with arms extended high at sides; end with hands meeting at hip level in full adduction, elbows soft.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid heavy weights that compromise form
  • Stop if shoulder strain occurs
  • Maintain neutral spine to protect back
  • Use lighter load for beginners

Spotting

Spotting not required; use machine safeties if needed for heavy sets.

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum to swing
  • Locking elbows
  • Rolling shoulders forward
  • Incomplete stretch at top

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Acute elbow pain
  • Pectoral strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder flexion to 180 degrees
  • Adequate thoracic mobility

Build Up First

  • Basic cable machine familiarity
  • Proper posture maintenance

Also known as

High Cable Fly, High-to-Low Cable Crossover, Lower Chest Cable Fly

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