GymPlan AI
Exercises › Chest › Dumbbell Fly

Dumbbell Fly

Dumbbell Fly is a beginner isolation dumbbell exercise that mainly works your chest.

💪 Chest🏋️ Dumbbell📈 Beginner🔗 Isolation🎯 3 sets of 10-15 reps
Dumbbell Fly: starting position
Starting position
Dumbbell Fly: end position
End position

How to do the dumbbell fly

  1. Lie down on a flat bench with a dumbbell on each hand resting on top of your thighs. The palms of your hand will be facing each other.
  2. Then using your thighs to help raise the dumbbells, lift the dumbbells one at a time so you can hold them in front of you at shoulder width with the palms of your hands facing each other. Raise the dumbbells up like you're pressing them, but stop and hold just before you lock out. This will be your starting position.
  3. With a slight bend on your elbows in order to prevent stress at the biceps tendon, lower your arms out at both sides in a wide arc until you feel a stretch on your chest. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Keep in mind that throughout the movement, the arms should remain stationary; the movement should only occur at the shoulder joint.
  4. Return your arms back to the starting position as you squeeze your chest muscles and breathe out. Tip: Make sure to use the same arc of motion used to lower the weights.
  5. Hold for a second at the contracted position and repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.

Muscles worked

Primary: Chest

Sets and reps

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Track your dumbbell fly with GymPlan AI

Log every set in seconds, see your progress on charts, and ask the AI coach to build a plan around your goals and equipment. 7 days free, no card needed.

Start your free trial

Dumbbell Fly alternatives

Exercises that train the same main muscle, including options with other equipment.

Cable CrossoverCable · BeginnerPec DeckMachine · BeginnerBodyweight FlyesBarbell · IntermediateOne-Arm Flat Bench Dumbbell FlyeDumbbell · BeginnerPush UpBodyweight · BeginnerSvend PressOther · Beginner

FAQ

What muscles does the dumbbell fly work?

It mainly works your chest.

How many sets and reps of dumbbell fly should I do?

Do 3 sets of 10-15 reps with 60-90 seconds of rest, using a weight you can control through the full range. Add reps first, then weight.

Is the dumbbell fly good for beginners?

Yes. It is a beginner-friendly movement: start light and focus on the form steps above.

More chest exercises →