Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly
Target your chest with dumbbells on an exercise ball! Improve stability and build a stronger, sculpted upper body.
The Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly is a compound exercise that mainly works the chest, with help from the shoulders and triceps. You'll need: exercise ball or dumbbells.

Required Equipment


Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly Muscles Worked
Primary
Chest (pectoralis major, sternal head)
Secondary
Front Shoulder (anterior deltoid); Triceps (triceps brachii)
Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly
1. Select an appropriate weight for the dumbbells that will challenge you for your desired number of repetitions without compromising form.
2. Sit on an exercise ball with your feet flat on the floor.
3. Carefully walk your feet forward while simultaneously leaning back, rolling the ball under your body until it supports your upper and middle back; your knees should be bent at a 90-degree angle, and your hips should be horizontally aligned with your knees or slightly higher.
4. Hold the dumbbells with a neutral grip (palms facing inwards), and extend your arms vertically above your chest, keeping a slight bend in your elbows. This is your starting position.
5. With controlled movement, slowly lower the weights out to your sides in a wide arc until you feel a stretch in your chest. Keep the movement in your shoulders, maintaining the slight bend in your elbows throughout.
6. Using your chest muscles, bring the dumbbells back along the same wide arc to the starting position, exhaling as you lift. Imagine you are hugging a large tree; your hands would move in a semi-circle.
7. Perform the desired number of repetitions while maintaining controlled movements and using your chest muscles to initiate the motion.
8. Make sure to keep your head and neck stationary by looking straight up and not letting the lower back to arch excessively during the exercise.
9. Once you have completed the set, carefully bring the dumbbells together above your chest, and walk your feet back towards the ball while sitting up, using your thighs and abs to help you balance and return to a seated position on the ball.
Be sure to perform this exercise with proper form to maximise its benefit and minimise the risk of injury. If you're new to this exercise or unsure of the correct technique, it's advisable to seek guidance from a fitness professional.
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Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly FAQs
What muscles does the Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly work?
The Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly mainly works the chest, with help from the shoulders and triceps. The main muscles are the pectoralis major.
What equipment do you need for the Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly?
Exercise ball or dumbbells.
Is the Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Exercise Ball Dumbbell Fly variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Exercise Ball Dumbbell Kickback, Dumbbell Floor Lying Fly, Dumbbell Chest Fly and Exercise Ball Dumbbell Incline Fly.
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