Chest exercises

Pec Deck

Also known as: Πεταλούδα · machine fly · butterfly · pec fly

Primary
Chest
Equipment
Machine
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation
Suggested rest
1 min

How to do the Pec Deck

  1. Adjust the seat so the handles are at chest height.

  2. Sit with your back against the pad and grab the handles with slightly bent elbows.

  3. Bring the handles together in front of you, squeezing your chest.

  4. Open your arms slowly until you feel a stretch, without letting your shoulders drift too far back.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–151 min
Muscular endurance2–315–2545 s

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2.5 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Chest

Secondary

Shoulders

The pecs push your arms forward and across your body. Presses build the most mass; flyes and cable work load the stretch the presses miss.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Pec Deck doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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