Dumbbell Reverse Fly: Strengthen Your Rear Delts
Instructions:
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Setup:
- Grab a pair of light dumbbells (start light to ensure proper form).
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hinge at the hips, keeping a slight bend in your knees. Your torso should be almost parallel to the floor.
- Let the dumbbells hang directly below your shoulders with your palms facing each other (neutral grip).
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Movement:
- Engage your core to maintain a stable position.
- Keeping a slight bend in your elbows, lift the dumbbells out to the sides in a wide arc until they are at shoulder height. Your arms should form a "T" shape at the top.
- Squeeze your shoulder blades together at the peak of the movement.
- Slowly lower the dumbbells back to the starting position in a controlled manner.
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Breathing:
- Exhale as you lift the dumbbells.
- Inhale as you return them to the starting position.
Tips
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Focus on the Rear Delts:
- Avoid shrugging your shoulders; this shifts the tension to your traps. Instead, think about pulling with your rear delts.
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Maintain a Neutral Spine:
- Keep your back flat throughout the exercise to avoid strain on your lower back.
- Do not round your shoulders or arch your back excessively.
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Use Control:
- Avoid using momentum or swinging the weights. A slow and controlled movement ensures the rear delts are properly engaged.
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Adjust the Angle:
- If you struggle to maintain the bent-over position, you can perform the exercise seated on a bench, leaning forward at the hips.
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Choose Appropriate Weight:
- This is not a heavy-lifting exercise. Start with lighter dumbbells to master the form before increasing weight.
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Keep a Soft Bend in the Elbows:
- Locking out your arms can strain the elbow joint. A slight bend keeps the tension on the muscles.
