Cable rear delt fly alternatives

Chest-supported dumbbell flies and a reverse pec deck preserve a wide-arm rear-shoulder movement. Face pulls offer a broader cable option with elbow bending and forearm rotation.

The original holds a hip hinge between crossed low cables. Chest support removes that hinge demand; a face pull adds movements that a nearly fixed-elbow fly does not contain.

Anatomical illustration of a bent-over cable rear delt fly before and after the handles move wide, with the rear shoulders highlighted.
What equipment can you use?

Choose everything you have. Some exercises need two items, such as dumbbells and a flat bench. Choose floor space for options without equipment.

Your replacements

Choose your equipment above to see replacements.

Compare all alternatives

These options need different equipment. Use the finder above to show only the setups you can use.

  • Anatomical illustration of a man lying chest-down on an incline bench and raising dumbbells out to the sides, with the rear shoulders highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Rear delt fly

    You need: Dumbbells + Adjustable bench with incline and upright settings

    Why it fits
    Keeps a wide-arm fly with a small, steady elbow bend.
    What changes
    Lie chest-down on a low incline bench and raise two dumbbells. Chest support replaces the unsupported hinge, and gravity replaces the crossed low cables.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration from behind of a man opening the handles of a reverse pec-deck machine, with the rear shoulders and upper back highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Reverse pec deck

    You need: Reverse pec deck with chest pad and handles

    Why it fits
    Keeps both upper arms opening out and back in a wide arc.
    What changes
    Sit facing the chest pad and use the machine handles. Guided levers and chest support replace the low cables and standing hinge; adjust the seat before choosing load.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a standing rope face pull shown before and after the pull, with the rear shoulders and upper back highlighted.

    Different movement

    Face pulls

    You need: Adjustable cable pulley set high + Cable rope attachment

    Why it fits
    Offers cable pulling for a broader rear-shoulder slot.
    What changes
    Stand upright and pull a high rope toward the forehead, separating the ends as the forearms finish upright. Elbow bending and rotation replace the fly’s fixed-elbow arc.
    See exercise guide
See the original exercise guide

How we choose replacements

These are curated alternatives, chosen for the movement and the job the exercise does in a workout. A shared muscle group is not enough. Read what changes before choosing: support, range of motion, balance and resistance can all differ. If your goal is to improve a specific lift, alternatives do not replace practice of that lift.

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