Dumbbell Bent-Over Rear Delt Fly - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell Bent-Over Rear Delt Fly

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell Bent-Over Rear Delt Fly.

MediumRear shoulders

About this exercise

The dumbbell reverse fly is a bent-over isolation exercise for the rear deltoids and upper back. Performed with the torso near horizontal, the arms are raised laterally in a wide arc to target the posterior shoulder and rhomboids.

How to Perform

  • Stand with feet hip-width apart and hinge at the hips until your torso is nearly parallel to the floor
  • Hold a dumbbell in each hand with arms hanging down and a slight bend in the elbows
  • Keep your back flat and core braced throughout the movement
  • Raise both dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc, leading with your elbows
  • Continue until your upper arms are roughly parallel to the floor
  • Squeeze the rear deltoids and upper back muscles at the top
  • Lower the dumbbells with control back to the starting position

Muscle Activation

Primary
Rear shoulders
Secondary
Side shouldersTrapezius

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell Bent-Over Rear Delt Fly

The Dumbbell Bent-Over Rear Delt 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.