How to Do Sled Reverse Flye
Start and end of one clean rep of Sled Reverse Flye.
Quick facts
| Primary muscle | Shoulders |
|---|---|
| Secondary muscles | — |
| Equipment | Machine |
| Category | Strength |
How to perform Sled Reverse Flye
- Attach dual handles to a sled connected by a rope or chain. Load the sled to a light weight.
- Face the sled, backing up until there is some tension in the line. Take both handles at arms length at about waist level. Bend the knees slightly and keep your chest and head up. This will be your starting position.
- Without flexing the elbow, pull the handles upward and apart, performing a reverse fly with some external rotation. Your palms should be facing forward as you do this.
- Return to the starting position, taking a couple steps back to take the slack out of the line.
Muscles worked
- Shoulders (primary): raises and rotates the arms and drives everything overhead.
Sets & reps by goal
| Goal | Sets × reps | Load | Rest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strength | 3–5 × 3–5 | Heavy (~85%+) | 2–3 min |
| Hypertrophy | 3–4 × 8–12 | Moderate (~65–75%) | 60–90 s |
| Endurance | 2–3 × 15–20 | Lighter (~50–60%) | 30–45 s |
Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
Form tips
- Keep the ribs down and the glutes tight so the lower back doesn't arch to 'help' the weight up.
- Set the seat and pads so the machine's pivot lines up with the joint you're training before your first rep.
- Treat every rep the same — a repeatable setup and bar path is what lets you add weight safely over time.
- Warm up the pattern with a couple of lighter, submaximal sets before your working sets.
Common mistakes
- Pressing with the lower back arched instead of a braced, stacked torso.
- Leaving the seat or range on a setting that forces the joint into an awkward angle.
- Chasing weight jumps before the current load feels solid on every rep.
Frequently asked questions
What muscles does Sled Reverse Flye work?
Sled Reverse Flye is a focused movement that primarily works the shoulders.
What equipment do I need for Sled Reverse Flye?
Sled Reverse Flye needs the corresponding weight-stack or plate-loaded machine.
How many sets and reps should I do for Sled Reverse Flye?
It depends on your goal: about 3–5 sets of 3–5 heavy reps for strength, 3–4 sets of 8–12 for muscle growth, or 2–3 sets of 15–20 for endurance. Pick the row that matches your goal. If you're newer, anchor in the hypertrophy range while you groove the form.
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