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Rear Fly

Rear Fly demonstration

Watch the demo so setup and tempo are clear before you follow the step-by-step cues.

Performing the: A Step-by-Step Tutorial Rear Fly

Work through the cues in order so setup, bracing, and reps stay consistent before you add load.

  • Bend your knees slightly and lean forward from your waist, keeping your back straight, until your torso is almost parallel to the floor.
  • Extend your arms directly below your shoulders, maintaining a slight bend in your elbows to avoid strain.
  • Slowly lift the dumbbells to the side until your arms are in line with your shoulders, squeezing your shoulder blades together.
  • Lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner, completing one repetition.

Tips for Performing Rear Fly

Form reminders that keep range of motion and control in check once the basic pattern feels stable.

  • **Controlled Movement**: When performing the rear fly, it's crucial to use slow, controlled movements. Avoid the temptation to use momentum to lift the weights. This can lead to improper form and potential injury. Instead, focus on squeezing your shoulder blades together as you lift the weights, and then slowly lowering them back down.
  • **Right Weight Selection**: Select weights that are challenging but manageable. If the weight is too heavy, you may compromise your form or risk injury. If it's too light, you won't effectively work your muscles. You should be able to perform the exercise for the recommended number of reps while

Can beginners do the Rear Fly?

A short framing note on whether this pattern suits newer lifters before you load it heavily.

Yes, beginners can do the Rear Fly exercise. However, they should start with light weights or no weights at all to ensure they are using the correct form and not straining their muscles. It's also helpful to have a trainer or fitness professional guide them through the exercise initially to ensure proper technique and avoid injury.

What are common variations of the Rear Fly?

Compare these progressions when the main pattern is solid or you need a different stimulus with similar equipment.

  • The Incline Bench Rear Delt Fly involves lying face down on an incline bench and lifting the weights from the floor to your sides.
  • The Standing Rear Delt Fly requires you to bend over at the waist while standing and perform the fly movement.
  • The Single-Arm Rear Delt Fly involves performing the exercise one arm at a time for more focused muscle engagement.
  • The Rear Delt Fly with Resistance Bands is a variation where you use resistance bands instead of dumbbells for the exercise.