Cable Mid Fly

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Intermediate

A cable machine isolation exercise targeting the mid and inner chest for improved definition and hypertrophy; emphasizes constant tension through horizontal adduction.

About Exercise

Equipment

Crossover Cable Machine

Difficulty

2/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Secondary Muscles

Triceps, Abs

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

Mid Chest

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts

Triceps

4/10

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Set cable pulleys to shoulder height on a crossover machine and attach single handles. Stand centered, grasp handles with arms extended out to sides, elbows slightly bent, and lean slightly forward with core engaged.

  1. Exhale and arc arms forward to meet at midline in front of chest, squeezing pectorals.
  2. Pause briefly at peak contraction to maximize squeeze.
  3. Inhale and slowly reverse motion, extending arms back to start while maintaining elbow bend.
  4. Keep shoulders back and core tight throughout.
  5. Repeat for reps, controlling the cable tension.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze like hugging a tree
  • Elbows soft, not locked
  • Lead with chest, not hands
  • Maintain slight forward lean

Breathing

Inhale during the return phase; exhale as you bring arms together and squeeze.

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

Extend arms to slight stretch across chest at sides; adduct to midline without locking elbows or rounding shoulders.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid heavy loads that compromise form
  • Do not stretch arms too far behind body if shoulder discomfort occurs
  • Engage core to protect lower back
  • Start light to establish mind-muscle connection

Spotting

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

Common Mistakes

  • Using momentum or jerking weights
  • Locking elbows or hyperextending
  • Rounding shoulders forward
  • Allowing weights to crash on return

When to Avoid

  • Acute shoulder impingement
  • Elbow joint instability

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate shoulder horizontal adduction range
  • Wrist flexibility for grip

Build Up First

  • Familiarity with cable machine operation
  • Basic standing posture stability

Also known as

Cable Middle Fly, Mid Cable Crossover Fly, Standing Cable Chest Fly

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