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Dumbbell Incline Fly

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Incline Fly.

MediumUpper chest

About this exercise

The dumbbell incline fly is a chest isolation exercise performed on an incline bench, targeting the upper portion of the pectoral muscles. With arms extended above the chest and a slight elbow bend, you lower the dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc before squeezing the chest to bring them back together.

How to Perform

  • Set an adjustable bench to a 30–45 degree incline and lie back holding a dumbbell in each hand
  • Press the dumbbells up above your upper chest with a slight bend in your elbows
  • Slowly lower the dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc until you feel a deep stretch in your upper chest
  • Keep the slight elbow bend fixed throughout — do not turn the movement into a press
  • Squeeze your chest and bring the dumbbells back together above your upper chest
  • Pause briefly at the top, then repeat for the desired number of reps

Muscle Activation

Primary
Upper chest
Secondary
BicepsFront shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Incline Fly

The Dumbbell Incline Fly is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.