Reverse pec deck alternatives

Chest-supported dumbbell and hinged cable flies retain a wide-arm rear-shoulder movement. Face pulls offer a broader option that adds elbow bending and forearm rotation.

The original sits facing a chest pad and opens both handles with a nearly fixed elbow bend. Bench support, an unsupported hinge or a rope pull changes support and arm movement; set a new load for the chosen 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.
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 chest support.
    What changes
    Lie chest-down on a low incline bench and raise both dumbbells with a small, steady elbow bend. Free weights and a reclined torso replace the seated machine handles.
    See exercise guide
  • Anatomical illustration of a bent-over cable rear delt fly before and after the handles move wide, with the rear shoulders highlighted.

    Similar movement

    Cable rear delt fly

    You need: Two adjustable cable pulleys set low + Pair of single cable handles

    Why it fits
    Keeps both upper arms opening in a wide arc.
    What changes
    Hold a hip hinge between crossed low cables and keep the elbow angle nearly fixed. The chest pad is removed; both low pulleys and both handles are required.
    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 a broader cable pull for the back of the shoulders.
    What changes
    Stand facing a high rope, pull toward the forehead and rotate the forearms as the elbows bend. Those added actions differ from the machine’s nearly fixed-elbow fly.
    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.

Explore alternatives by exercise