Cross-Training & Expert References
Chest exercises—like the incline fly—are vital for longevity. It mimics the strength needed to reach across the passenger seat or pull a heavy car door shut from the inside. Here are some additional expert resources to help you with your form
Check out Scott Herman's incline fly video. At 1:10 he has a great tip on what to do if the dumbbells drft over your face. Plus, notice how his stance is wider than mine. Really great form!!
Phase: ADJUST
Key Takeaway: Watch out for the dumbbells drifting over your face instead of your chest.
This is a very short video by Charles Glass Lab. He is an experienced instructor and this has a specific tip at :09 where he mentions leaving a little gap when you are at the top of the set. In other words, don't clang the dumbbells together...
Phase: ADJUST
Key Takeaway: Leave a little gap at the top.
Sometimes on the road your gym doesn't have a bench at all - or maybe your hotel doesn't even have a gym. Well, that's no excuse to skip a workout.
In this excellent video by Dr. Kristie Ennis, she demonstrates several different upper body exercises you can do without a bench.
Phase: OWN
Key Takeaway: You don't need a bench to keep your upper body fit while on the road. Watch at the 1:50 mark to see her shoulder press technique from the floor.
In this brief but informative video by Holly Perkins, she demonstrates in under a minute just how to do the incline fly. Notice at 0:24 ahow she talks about exhale and inhale. Breathing is important, and I often neglect to cover this topic in my videos.
Phase: OWN
Key Takeaway: Breathing matters. Plus, her form is very controlled in this short clip.
What if your gym doesn't have dumbbells? This demo from HASfit shows how to use a cable machine instead. Check out Coach Kozak at the 0:52 mark. Here he shows great form and discusses the proper bend in your elbows.
Phase: ADJUST TO OWN
Key Takeaway: Don't straighten your arms at the down position; keep elbows bent. Watch the 1:07 mark to see good technique with cables.
OK, what if your hotel gym doesn't have a bench but does have a cable machine?
In this comprehensive video by Maxime Sigouin you'll see how to use the cable machine for a standing chest fly. Watch her adjust her form at the 2:42 mark. This is a pretty long video, but there are some great coaching and adjusting tips in here.
Phase: ADJUST
Key Takeaway: You are the CEO of your own body. Watch at the 4:55 mark to see some tips on adjusting during the standing chest fly.