Chest
The main area this variation is designed to train.
Exercise guide
Dumbbell Flyes
Learn how to do the Dumbbell Flyes exercise, which muscles it works, the equipment you need, and common mistakes to avoid.
Dumbbell
Use this to decide whether the movement fits your current setup.
Beginner
A quick checkpoint for how simple or technical the movement usually feels.
Chest
Secondary support can come from other nearby stabilizers depending on how you perform the movement.
Strength
Movement pattern: raise. This is more of an isolation-focused exercise.
Learning and repeating well
Use this page to understand the setup first, then track the movement consistently in Logbook once it fits your program.
Instructions
How to do Dumbbell Flyes
Keep the setup simple, use a controlled pace, and repeat the same movement pattern each rep.
- Lie down on a flat bench with a dumbbell on each hand resting on top of your thighs. The palms of your hand will be facing each other.
- Then using your thighs to help raise the dumbbells, lift the dumbbells one at a time so you can hold them in front of you at shoulder width with the palms of your hands facing each other. Raise the dumbbells up like you're pressing them, but stop and hold just before you lock out. This will be your starting position.
- With a slight bend on your elbows in order to prevent stress at the biceps tendon, lower your arms out at both sides in a wide arc until you feel a stretch on your chest. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Keep in mind that throughout the movement, the arms should remain stationary; the movement should only occur at the shoulder joint.
- Return your arms back to the starting position as you squeeze your chest muscles and breathe out. Tip: Make sure to use the same arc of motion used to lower the weights.
- Hold for a second at the contracted position and repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Benefits
- Builds strength and control through the chest region.
- Makes it easier to focus on one area when you want extra practice or volume.
- Gives you a repeatable way to track progress inside Logbook over time.
Common mistakes
- Using more weight or speed than you can control cleanly.
- Cutting the range of motion short and rushing through the reps.
- Changing your body position between reps instead of keeping the movement repeatable.
Related workouts
Workout templates that use this exercise.
If you want to see this movement inside a more complete training session, start here.
3-Day Full Body Split
A three-day split that spreads total weekly work across three full-body sessions.
View workout30-Minute Fat Loss Workout
A shorter full-body session designed to keep you moving and make consistency easier on busy days.
View workout4-Day Upper Lower Split
A simple four-day split that gives each half of the body two quality sessions each week.
View workout5-Day Bodybuilding Split
A traditional five-day bodybuilding split for lifters who enjoy focusing on one or two regions per session.
View workoutRelated exercises
More exercises in the same lane.
Use these when you want a similar movement pattern, a different setup, or more exercise options for the same target area.
Decline Dumbbell Bench Press
Decline Dumbbell Bench Press is a beginner strength that mainly trains your chest using dumbbell.
View exerciseDecline Dumbbell Flyes
Decline Dumbbell Flyes is a beginner strength that mainly trains your chest using dumbbell.
View exerciseDumbbell Bench Press
Dumbbell Bench Press is a beginner strength that mainly trains your chest using dumbbell.
View exerciseDumbbell Bench Press with Neutral Grip
Dumbbell Bench Press with Neutral Grip is a beginner strength that mainly trains your chest using dumbbell.
View exerciseFAQ
Common questions about Dumbbell Flyes.
Use these answers as a practical starting point, then adjust based on your setup, comfort, and goals.
What muscles does Dumbbell Flyes work?
Dumbbell Flyes mainly works the chest. It can also involve supporting muscles around the same region depending on your setup and range of motion.
Is Dumbbell Flyes beginner-friendly?
Yes. This exercise is listed as beginner-friendly, which usually means the setup and learning curve are more manageable.
What equipment do I need for Dumbbell Flyes?
You will usually need Dumbbell for this variation.
How should I progress Dumbbell Flyes?
Start by making the reps smoother and more repeatable. Once the whole set looks controlled, add a small amount of load or one extra rep at a time.
Track this exercise for free in Logbook.
Once the movement is in your plan, use Logbook to record sets, reps, load, and progress without guessing what happened last week.
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