High-cable reverse fly
Cables high, arms cross at start, ribs down.
family=high reverse flypattern=rear-delt isolationforce=pullmechanic=isolationequipment=cable
Muscles
- Primary
- rear delts
- Supporting
- mid back
Mechanics
- Pattern
- rear-delt isolation
- Equipment
- cable
- Geometry
- Variable Range
- Target feel
- Rear delts open the arms without pulling through the low back.
- Progression
- Add control at full open position before load.
- Regression
- Use reverse pec deck if cable setup is busy.
Common errors
- Over-rowing
- Arching to finish the rep
- UNKNOWN — no additional common error is recorded in the biomechanics dataset.
Programming by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Effort cap | Tempo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3 × 3-6 | RPE ≤ 9 | 2-0-X-0 |
| Muscle growth | 3 × 8-12 | RPE ≤ 8 | 3-1-1-0 |
| Endurance | 3 × 15-25 | RPE ≤ 7 | 2-0-2-0 |
Engine defaults for one exercise. Adjust load so every rep stays within the listed effort cap.
Equipment context
Cable tension stays constant through the range, so the target muscle stays loaded at the bottom of each rep.
Substitutions
- Reverse pec deck
- Chest-supported rear delt raise
- Face pull
Related exercises
Progression ladder
- Beginner / regression: Use reverse pec deck if cable setup is busy.
- Standard: High-cable reverse fly
- Advanced / progression: Add control at full open position before load.
Atlas metrics
- Movement pattern
- rear-delt isolation
- Primary target
- rear delts
- Supporting muscles
- mid back
- Equipment
- cable
- Joint geometry
- Variable Range
- Alternatives
- 3 substitutions
Evidence & limits
Last reviewed against peer-reviewed biomechanics references. Exercise descriptions are framed as training guidance, not medical advice.
Source: ExRx.net Exercise & Muscle Directory
Eccentryx is fitness software. It is not a medical device and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, injury, or medical condition. Consult a licensed physician before beginning any exercise program.
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FAQ
- How do I set up High-cable reverse fly?
- Cables high, arms cross at start, ribs down.
- What should I feel during High-cable reverse fly?
- Rear delts open the arms without pulling through the low back.
- What are common mistakes with High-cable reverse fly?
- Over-rowing; Arching to finish the rep
- How do I progress High-cable reverse fly?
- Add control at full open position before load.
- What can I do instead of High-cable reverse fly?
- Reverse pec deck, Chest-supported rear delt raise, Face pull


High-cable reverse fly: isolation pattern, 2000 ms rep trace, engine-derived.