Dumbbell Flyes
The dumbbell flyes is a chest exercise that targets the chest with dumbbell. Watch the demo, then follow the step-by-step form guide below.
One rep, playing on a loop. Use the controls to pause it or scrub through the movement.
How to do the dumbbell flyes
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hold for a second at the contracted position and repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Want this in a plan?
Build a weekly routine around the dumbbell flyes and the rest of your chest work, matched to your goal and the equipment you have.
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Browse all chest exercises, read our best dumbbell chest exercises guide, or return to the exercise library.
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Educational information only — not medical advice. Stop if you feel pain and talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new exercise program.
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