TETSUBand Reverse Fly vs Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip)
The Band Reverse Fly and the Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip) both train the delts as their primary muscle. The Band Reverse Fly uses a band while the Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip) uses a machine. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Band Reverse Fly | Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip) | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | delts | delts |
| Body part | shoulders | shoulders |
| Supporting muscles | upper back and trapezius | trapezius and rhomboids |
| Equipment | band | machine |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 5 |
How each one starts
Band Reverse Fly — first steps
- Attach the band to a stationary object at chest height.
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and hold the band with both hands in front of you.
Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip) — first steps
- Adjust the seat height and position yourself on the machine with your chest against the pad and your feet flat on the floor.
- Grasp the handles with a parallel grip, palms facing each other, and keep your arms slightly bent.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Band Reverse Fly gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range. The Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip) fixes the movement path so you can push close to failure with less skill demand. If your gym has both options, neither is a wrong choice: pick the one that feels strongest through a full range, and swap after 6 to 8 weeks to keep the delts adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Band Reverse Fly better than the Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip)?
Neither is universally better — both train the delts as the primary mover. The Band Reverse Fly gives accommodating resistance that peaks at the top of the range, while the Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip) fixes the movement path so you can push close to failure with less skill demand. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Band Reverse Fly and the Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip) in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the delts. A common setup is one as your main movement and the other on a second training day, or alternating them block by block.
Do the Band Reverse Fly and the Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip) work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the delts. Supporting muscles differ slightly — upper back and trapezius for the Band Reverse Fly versus trapezius and rhomboids for the Machine Seated Reverse Fly (Parallel Grip).
Track it in Tetsu
Tetsu tracks both movements separately, keeps your PRs per exercise, and tells you which one is actually progressing. Free to start.