How to do a Dumbbell Back Fly
Reviewed by JP Michelsen, CPT, B.A. Kinesiology
About Dumbbell Back Fly
Instructions for Proper Form
Dumbbell Back Fly is an isolation exercise that primarily targets your shoulder, more specifically your posterior deltoid (back of the shoulder). It’s most closely related to a shoulder raise, with the main difference being that you’re leaning forward into an incline bench. This position allows you to better isolate the back of your shoulder. In addition, the incline bench adds more stability than some other variations.
- Grab a pair of dumbbells and position your chest on an incline bench while standing with knees slightly bent.
- Once in a comfortable position, position the dumbbells in front of your shoulders so your shoulders are at a 90 degree from your torso with palms facing forward.
- Keeping your elbows slightly flexed and your back straight, raise the dumbbells out laterally with emphasis on tightening between your shoulder blades once the dumbbells reach shoulder height.
- Control the dumbbells as you return to the starting position.
Common Form Mistakes
Swinging the Dumbbells
Using momentum, or recruiting additional muscle groups can help you lift heavier weights with this exercise. However it also reduces the effectiveness, and increases the risk of injury. Keep your weights on the lighter side, and focus on controlling the weight. If you’re struggling, consider using a seated variation. This can help you prevent swinging the dumbbells or adding additional movements to this exercise.
Limit Range of Motion
Raising the weight too high can increase your risk of injury, and isn’t particularly beneficial for these exercises. Limit your range of motion to around shoulder height. If you’re looking to make the exercise more challenging consider pausing for a moment at the top of the movement.
Weight & 1 Rep Max Calculator
Average Dumbbell Back Fly standards by male, female, weight, age and height
Use this calculator to see Fitbod's possible first recommendations for you. This would be your starting line, based on more than 4.5 billion logged sets from 1.1 million users.
- beginner8reps15lbs1 Rep Max20lbs
- intermediate8reps17.5lbs22.5lbs
- advanced8reps22.5lbs30lbs
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Alternative Exercises to Dumbbell Back Fly
1. Dumbbell Front Raise
98.6 mSCORESWAPPED 11,007 TIMESDumbbell Front Raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the shoulders, more specifically the anterior deltoid (front of the shoulder). This is a very common shoulder exercise, and can work well to isolate the shoulders to build strength and muscle mass. By using dumbbells, you can help identify and address any strength imbalances between sides.
2. Dumbbell Shoulder Press
99.5 mSCORESWAPPED 10,370 TIMESDumbbell Shoulder Press is a compound exercise that primarily targets the shoulders. The use of dumbbells allows for slightly more instability than with equipment like barbells. This can help you recruit and develop stabilizing muscles around the shoulders. In addition, by using dumbbells, you can help identify and address any strength imbalances between sides.
3. Dumbbell Shoulder Raise
97.8 mSCORESWAPPED 8,368 TIMESDumbbell Shoulder Raise is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the shoulders, more specifically the medial deltoid (middle of the shoulder). This is a very common shoulder exercise and can work well for building muscle mass and strengthening the shoulders. By using dumbbells, you can help identify and address any strength imbalances between sides.
4. Cable Lateral Raise
97.7 mSCORESWAPPED 7,099 TIMESCable Lateral Raise is a variation on the more standard Dumbbell Shoulder Raise. Similar to the Dumbbell Shoulder Raise, this isolation exercise primarily targets the shoulders, and more specifically the medial deltoid (middle of the shoulder). By using a cable machine, you have more control over the direction your resistance is coming from, and can easily make adjustments. In addition, by isolating each side of the body, you can more easily identify and address strength imbalances between sides.
- Beginner
- Shoulders
- Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
5. Dumbbell Rear Delt Raise
94.7 mSCORESWAPPED 5,869 TIMESDumbbell Rear Delt Raise is a variation of Dumbbell Shoulder Raise. Similar to other shoulder raises, this is an isolation exercise that primarily targets the shoulders. By hinging your hips back, and leaning forward slightly, you can further emphasize your rear deltoids (back of the shoulder).
6. Cable Face Pull
96 mSCORESWAPPED 4,996 TIMESCable Face Pull is a compound exercise that primarily targets your shoulders, more specifically your posterior deltoids (back of the shoulder). By using a cable machine, you have more control over where the resistance is coming from, and can easily make adjustments by either moving towards or away from the cable machine, or by adjusting the height of the pulley.
- Intermediate
- Shoulders
- Hi-Lo Pulley Cable
7. Dumbbell Lateral Raise
95.5 mSCORESWAPPED 3,410 TIMESAn isolation exercise using dumbbells to raise the arms sideways, targeting the deltoid muscles.
8. Arnold Dumbbell Press
93.2 mSCORESWAPPED 3,371 TIMESArnold Dumbbell Press is a compound movement that primarily targets the shoulders. The difference between the Arnold Press and a standard Shoulder Press is that you bring the dumbbells in front of you at the bottom of the movement rather than stopping when they reach your shoulders. Bringing the dumbbells in front of you can be more a comfortable movement as well as improve muscle activation.
9. Machine Shoulder Press
92.5 mSCORESWAPPED 3,342 TIMESis a variation on the more standard shoulder press that utilizes a machine. Like other shoulder presses, this is a compound exercise that primarily targets the shoulders. The use of the machine restricts your movements, and adds more stability. This allows you to focus more on exertion than stabilization. This is a great exercise for anyone looking to learn the basic movement, and develop the strength needed for other similar exercises or functional applications.
- Beginner
- Shoulders
- Shoulder Press Machine
10. Machine Reverse Fly
68.9 mSCORESWAPPED 3,101 TIMESMachine Reverse Fly is an isolation exercise that primarily targets your shoulders, and more specifically your posterior deltoids (back of your shoulder). Using a machine restricts your range and adds stability to the movement. In addition, this machine will often place you in a more comfortable seated position compared to many other reverse fly variations.
- Beginner
- Shoulders
- Fly Machine