Dumbbell flyes
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How to do it
Slight elbow bend, controlled stretch
Muscles worked
Mainly pecho. Train it inside a balanced routine to progress safely.
Recommended sets and reps
As an isolation exercise, it works best in 3–4 sets of 10–15 reps with 0–2 RIR. Use it at the end of the session to add volume without systemic fatigue.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Bouncing the bar or dumbbells off the chest instead of controlling the final part of the range.
- Using too much weight at the cost of technique and full range of motion.
- Doing reps too fast, without controlling the eccentric (lowering) phase.
Alternative exercises
- Cable crossover
- Dumbbell pullover
- Pec deck flyes
- High-to-low cable crossover
- Low-to-high cable crossover
Add it to your routine
FitnessAI can generate a personalized routine that includes Dumbbell flyes based on your level, goal and available days.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Dumbbell flyes work?
Dumbbell flyes mainly works the pecho muscle group, plus synergist and stabilizer muscles depending on the variation.
How many sets of Dumbbell flyes should I do?
Between 3 and 5 sets per session, adjusting the total weekly volume for pecho to your level (about 10–20 sets per muscle per week).
Is Dumbbell flyes good for building muscle?
Yes. Combined with progressive overload, good technique and enough rest, it's an effective tool to grow pecho.
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