Pec Dec Machine Fly

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Beginner

Machine chest fly that isolates the pectoralis major for hypertrophy and strength; offers constant tension through guided path, ideal for beginners focusing on chest activation.

About Exercise

Equipment

Pec Dec Machine

Difficulty

1/5 • Beginner

Primary Muscle Groups

Chest

Secondary Muscles

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, Upper Chest

Shoulders

6/10

Anterior Delts

Abs

3/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Adjust the seat so handles or pads align with mid-chest. Sit with back against pad, feet flat, core engaged, elbows slightly bent.

  1. Grasp handles or place forearms on pads with elbows bent.
  2. Exhale and squeeze chest to bring arms together in front of chest.
  3. Pause briefly at peak contraction.
  4. Inhale and slowly return arms to start position.
  5. Maintain slight elbow bend throughout.
  6. Stop return before full stretch to keep tension.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Squeeze like hugging a tree.
  • Keep shoulders down.
  • Focus on chest contraction.
  • Elbows fixed bend.
  • Controlled arc motion.

Breathing

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

Tempo

2-1-2

Range of Motion

From arms extended out to sides with slight chest stretch to handles nearly touching in front; elbows remain bent.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Avoid if acute shoulder pain.
  • Start light to master form.
  • Do not hyperextend elbows.
  • Keep back flat against pad.

Spotting

Not required; machine provides safety. Use pin or safeties if available.

Common Mistakes

  • Locking elbows.
  • Using momentum.
  • Arching back.
  • Overstretching shoulders.
  • Letting weights touch down.

When to Avoid

  • Shoulder impingement
  • Pectoral strain

Flexibility Needed

  • Shoulder horizontal adduction
  • Scapular stability

Build Up First

  • Basic posture control
  • Machine adjustment familiarity

Also known as

Pec Deck Fly, Butterfly Machine, Chest Fly Machine

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