Dumbbell One Arm Floor Fly - How to Perform, Muscles, Variants | SatisFIT Skip to main content

Dumbbell One Arm Floor Fly

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Dumbbell One Arm Floor Fly.

MediumUpper chestMiddle chest

About this exercise

The dumbbell one arm floor fly is a unilateral chest fly variation performed lying on the floor, which naturally limits the range of motion and reduces shoulder stress. It targets the chest through adduction while the floor acts as a safety stop for the arm.

How to Perform

  • Lie on your back on the floor holding one dumbbell in the working hand, arm extended above your chest with a slight bend at the elbow
  • Slowly lower your arm out to the side in a wide arc until your upper arm touches the floor
  • Pause briefly at the bottom, feeling the stretch in your chest
  • Contract your chest to bring the dumbbell back up in the same arc to the starting position
  • Keep the elbow angle constant throughout the movement
  • Complete all reps on one side before switching arms

Muscle Activation

Primary
Upper chestMiddle chest
Secondary
BicepsFront shoulders

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Dumbbell One Arm Floor Fly

The Dumbbell One Arm Floor 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.