TETSUCable Fly vs Smith Reverse-Grip Press
The Cable Fly and the Smith Reverse-Grip Press both train the pectorals as their primary muscle. The Cable Fly uses a cable while the Smith Reverse-Grip Press uses a smith machine. Here is how they compare and when to pick each.
Side-by-side comparison
| Cable Fly | Smith Reverse-Grip Press | |
|---|---|---|
| Primary muscle | pectorals | pectorals |
| Body part | pectorals | chest |
| Supporting muscles | — | triceps and shoulders |
| Equipment | cable | smith machine |
| Steps in our guide | 6 | 8 |
How each one starts
Cable Fly — first steps
- Set both pulleys to chest height and choose a light to moderate weight.
- Hold a handle in each hand and step forward into a staggered stance.
Smith Reverse-Grip Press — first steps
- Adjust the height of the smith machine bar to chest level.
- Stand facing the bar with your feet shoulder-width apart.
Full step-by-step guides are linked below.
Which should you choose?
The Cable Fly keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion. The Smith Reverse-Grip Press fixes the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance 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 pectorals adapting.
Full form guides
Common questions
Is the Cable Fly better than the Smith Reverse-Grip Press?
Neither is universally better — both train the pectorals as the primary mover. The Cable Fly keeps constant tension on the muscle through the whole range of motion, while the Smith Reverse-Grip Press fixes the bar path so you can push close to failure with less balance demand. Choose based on your equipment and which movement you can progress consistently.
Can I do both the Cable Fly and the Smith Reverse-Grip Press in the same program?
Yes, but usually not in the same session — they overlap heavily on the pectorals. 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 Cable Fly and the Smith Reverse-Grip Press work the same muscles?
The primary muscle is the same: the pectorals. Supporting muscles differ slightly — minimal assistance for the Cable Fly versus triceps and shoulders for the Smith Reverse-Grip Press.
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.