Seated Rear Delt Fly: How-to, Tips & More

The Seated Rear Delt Fly is a beginner isolation exercise for your rear delts. You do it with dumbbells and bench. It is a good fit when your goal is muscle growth.

Besides the rear delts, it also works your upper back, so it fits well in a session that trains those muscles together.

Muscles worked

Rear delts muscle

Rear delts

Primary

Upper back muscle

Upper back

Secondary

How to do the Seated Rear Delt Fly

  1. Sit on the end of a bench and lean forward with your chest near your thighs.
  2. Let the dumbbells hang under your legs.
  3. Raise them out to the sides until level with your shoulders.
  4. Lower slowly.

Seated Rear Delt Fly tips

  • Keep a slight bend in your elbows.

Sets and reps

Most lifters do well with 12 to 20 reps per set, and 12 to 20 reps is where this exercise tends to work best. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve on every set, and add weight once you can complete all your sets at the top of the range. It also works well in a superset with an exercise for the opposite muscles. You can finish with a drop set when you want extra volume.

Equipment

Dumbbells, Bench

Type

Isolation

Seated Rear Delt Fly alternatives

More rear delts exercises

Frequently asked questions

What muscles does the Seated Rear Delt Fly work?

The Seated Rear Delt Fly mainly works your rear delts, with help from your upper back.

How many sets and reps should I do?

A good starting point is 12 to 20 reps per set, and many lifters get the best results between 12 to 20 reps. Use a weight that leaves one or two reps in reserve.

Is the Seated Rear Delt Fly good for beginners?

Yes. The Seated Rear Delt Fly is considered beginner and is a good choice if you are new to training. Start light and focus on form.

What equipment do I need for the Seated Rear Delt Fly?

You need dumbbells and bench.

Seated Rear Delt Fly demonstration

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