Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly
Isolate & sculpt your upper chest with alternating flyes. Feel the burn, build definition, & improve stability!
The Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly is a compound exercise that mainly works the chest, with help from the back and traps. You'll need: dumbbells or incline bench.
Required Equipment


Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly Muscles Worked
Primary
Upper Chest (pectoralis major, clavicular head); Chest (pectoralis major, sternal head)
Secondary
Boxer Muscle (serratus anterior); Upper Traps (trapezius, upper fibers)
Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly
Dumbbell Incline Alternate Fly - Chest
An adjustable bench (set to an incline)
1. Setup:
Adjust the bench to an incline of about 30 to 45 degrees.
Sit on the bench with your feet flat on the floor, ensuring a stable position.
Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms at your sides, palms facing each other.
Starting Position:
Lean back against the bench, keeping your back and head supported.
Lift the dumbbells above your chest, maintaining a slight bend in your elbows. Your arms should be positioned slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Executing the Fly:
Slowly and controlled, lower one dumbbell out to the side, keeping a slight bend in your elbow. Focus on using your chest muscles to guide the movement.
Lower the dumbbell until you feel a gentle stretch in your chest, ensuring you do not overextend your shoulder.
Returning to Start:
Bring the lowered dumbbell back to the starting position by squeezing your chest muscles.
Simultaneously, lift the other dumbbell out to the side and repeat the movement.
Repetitions:
Perform 10 to 15 repetitions on each side.
Aim for 2 to 3 sets, resting for about 60 seconds between sets.
Tips:
Maintain control throughout the exercise to avoid swinging the weights.
Keep your core engaged to protect your lower back.
Make sure to breathe properly; exhale while lifting the dumbbell and inhale while lowering it.
This exercise targets your chest, particularly the pectoral muscles, and helps with muscle hypertrophy and stabilization.
Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly FAQs
What muscles does the Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly work?
The Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly mainly works the chest, with help from the back and traps. The main muscles are the pectoralis major.
What equipment do you need for the Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly?
Dumbbells or incline bench.
Is the Alternating Dumbbell Incline 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 Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly go on?
It belongs on push day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Alternating Dumbbell Incline Fly variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Alternating Bodyweight Upper-Chest Raise, Cable Alternative Fly, Cable Incline Alternative Fly and Chest Plyo Squat Fly.
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