Rear-Delt Fly

A bent-over fly targeting the rear delt and the muscles between the shoulder blades. Light, high-rep work at 15-20 to offset the pressing volume most programmes carry.

DIFFICULTY
Beginner
EQUIPMENT
Dumbbell · Bench
PRIMARY MUSCLES
Posterior Deltoid · Rhomboids
ALSO WORKS
Lower Trapezius · Rotator Cuff
HOW TO DO IT
  1. 01Sit on the end of a bench and hinge forward until the chest is near the thighs.
  2. 02Hold a light dumbbell in each hand hanging below the shoulders.
  3. 03Set a soft bend in the elbows and keep it fixed.
  4. 04Raise the arms out to the sides until they are level with the shoulders.
  5. 05Lower under control without letting the dumbbells swing.
COACHING CUES
  1. 01Pinkies lead, thumbs follow.
  2. 02Squeeze between the shoulder blades.
  3. 03Keep the neck long and relaxed.
COMMON MISTAKES
  1. 01Rowing instead of flying — the elbows bend, the lats take over, and the rear delt is skipped.
  2. 02Jerking the torso upright each rep — the hip extensors move the weight rather than the shoulder.
  3. 03Going heavy — the rear delt is small, and load beyond its capacity simply recruits everything else.

Note: Reference material, not a prescription. Load, volume and whether this movement suits you at all depends on your assessment — if something hurts, stop and get it looked at.

Want a program built around you?

BOOK YOUR ASSESSMENT →