10 Best Pec Deck Alternatives To Build a Stronger Chest

Pec Deck Flys are an extremely popular chest exercise. It’s the reason why you’ll find a Pec Deck machine in almost every commercial gym in the country.

However, sometimes you may find yourself needing an alternative for Pec Deck Flys.

The most obvious reason is that you don’t have access to a Pec Deck machine. Or, maybe you’re simply wanting to add some variety to your workouts.

Whatever the reason, if you’re looking for an exercise to substitute for Peck Deck Flys then you’re in the right place. I’m about to share with you 10 of my favorite Pec Deck alternatives.

Alternatives for Pec Deck Flys

I’ve tried to include as much variety as possible in this list. There are exercises that use a wide variety of equipment, from dumbbells to medicine balls to even no equipment at all. There are also exercises for all levels of experience.

My goal is that no matter what equipment you have access to and no matter your level of experience, you’ll be able to find at least one exercise in this list that fits your needs perfectly.

Dumbbell Flys

Perhaps the best alternative to Pec Deck Flys is to switch to dumbbells and do Dumbbell Flys.

Dumbbell Flys are essentially the exact same movement pattern and are going to work the same chest muscles. The only real difference is you’re swapping out a pec deck machine for dumbbells.

Equipment Needed

• Dumbbells
• Flat Bench

Step-by-Step Instruction

• Grab your dumbbells, sit on the edge of the bench, and sit the dumbbells on your thighs vertically.
• Take a deep breath, lie flat on your back on the bench, and get your dumbbells in position ready to press.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor and your butt on the bench.
• Pull your shoulder blades together and keep the back of your head on the bench. You will slightly arch your back. Keep your core tight and keep the shoulder blades pulled back tight.
• Press the dumbbells up.
• Now, keep a slight bend in the elbow and lower the dumbbells down until they’re at shoulder height.
• Finally, flex the chest and pull the dumbbells together, back to arm’s length over the chest.
• When your set is done, do not freely drop the dumbbells without checking your surroundings. You could drop the dumbbell and it might hit a person nearby. Or your could drop your dumbbell and crush your fingers on a dumbbell that was left next to your bench.

Coaching Points

Flys should not be done with heavy weights. Stay relatively light, keep the movement very controlled and focus on the stretch.

Remember to finish your sets with awareness so that you and your training partner/fellow gym members stay safe and injury-free. The best way to finish a set is to bring the dumbbells back to your thighs and stand up with them. Or have a lifting partner take them from you.

Cable Crossover Flys

If you have access to a cable crossover machine (hotel gym maybe?), then Cable Crossover Flys is about as close as you can get to Pec Deck Flys.

Equipment Needed

• Cable Machine

How To

• Place single-handle attachments on both sides of a cable crossover machine.
• Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and a slight forward lean through the torso.
• Hold handles with your arms spread and a slight bend in the elbow.
• Press the cables forward until your hands touch. (crossing the arms in the front will add more emphasis to the upper pectorals)
• Slowly bring the hands back to the starting position and repeat.

Coaching Points

Make sure both pins on each side of your machine are on the same notch.

Incline Barbell Bench

If you’re looking to develop strength then Incline Bench Press is one of the best pec deck alternatives you can do.

Also, remember, that doing a wide grip Bench Press is going to stress the pecs more than a Close Grip Bench Press which will emphasize the triceps. Just don’t get too wide or you could actually end up straining a pec.

Equipment Needed

• Multi-purpose lifting rack
• Bench
• Barbell
• Bumper or Iron plates

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Determine the angle for your incline bench. Most programs would refer to a 45-degree angle as ideal for it provides the best chest and shoulder engagement.
• As you go higher with your angle, you are moving more toward a shoulder press. The flatter the bench gets, you are moving more toward a regular bench press.
• Set the height of the barbell so that when you unrack the barbell, you are only doing a very short upward concentric movement.
• Lie flat on your back on the bench.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Pull your shoulder blades together and keep the back of your head on the bench. You will slightly arch your back. Keep your core tight and keep the shoulder blades pulled back tight.
• Take a thumbs-width grip from the knurling and completely close your grip. Keep your knuckles pointing toward the ceiling and squeeze the barbell.
• Unrack the weight and take a deep breath.
• Control the barbell down during the eccentric movement and draw the barbell in, keeping the elbows at about a 45-degree angle away from the torso.
• The barbell will make contact with your torso right at the nipple line on the chest.
• Once contact is made, drive the barbell back up to the starting position.

Coaching Points

Do not let the elbows flare out away from the midline. The shoulders are incredibly vulnerable in these positions and the sheer force placed on the shoulders will lead to injury if the technique is not made a priority.

Dumbbell Bench Press

Want a similar exercise that is better at developing upper-body strength? Switch to a flat bench and do Dumbbell Bench instead (or even on the floor if necessary).

Equipment Needed

• Dumbbells
• Bench

Step-by-Step Instruction

• Grab your dumbbells, sit on the edge of the bench, and sit the dumbbells on your thighs vertically.
• Take a deep breath, lie flat on your back on the bench, and get your dumbbells in position ready to press.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor.
• Keep your butt on the bench.
• Pull your shoulder blades together and keep the back of your head on the bench. You will slightly arch your back. Keep your core tight and keep the shoulder blades pulled back tight.
• The dumbbells should be slightly angled (representative of the path you are descending with your elbows).
• Press the dumbbells up.
• Control the dumbbells down during the eccentric movement and draw the dumbbells in, keeping the elbows at about a 45-degree angle away from the torso.
• The dumbbells will make contact with your torso right at the nipple line on the chest.
• Once contact is made, drive the dumbbells back up.

Coaching Points

When you’re set is done, do not freely drop the dumbbells without checking your surroundings.

You could drop the dumbbell and it might hit a person nearby. Or your could drop your dumbbell and crush your fingers on a dumbbell that was left next to your bench.

The best way to finish a set is to bring the dumbbells back to your thighs and stand up with them. Or have a lifting partner take them from you.

Dumbbell Incline Flys

Incline Dumbbell Flys is another fly variation that can work as a great pec deck alternative.

Changing angles can emphasize different chest muscles and is important to provide variation into your workouts.

Equipment Needed

• Dumbbells
• Adjustable Bench (Capable of changing angles)

Step-by-Step Instruction

• Determine the angle for your incline bench. Most programs would refer to a 45-degree angle as ideal for it provides the best chest and shoulder engagement.
• Grab your dumbbells, sit on the edge of the bench, and sit the dumbbells on your thighs vertically.
• Take a deep breath, lie flat on your back on the bench, and get your dumbbells in position ready to press.
• Keep your feet flat on the floor and your butt on the bench.
• Pull your shoulder blades together and keep the back of your head on the bench. You will slightly arch your back. Keep your core tight and keep the shoulder blades pulled back tight.
• Press the dumbbells up.
• Now, keep a slight bend in the elbow and lower the dumbbells down until they’re at shoulder height.
• Finally, flex the chest and pull the dumbbells together, back to arm’s length over the chest.
• When your set is done, do not freely drop the dumbbells without checking your surroundings. You could drop the dumbbell and it might hit a person nearby. Or your could drop your dumbbell and crush your fingers on a dumbbell that was left next to your bench.

Coaching Points

Remember as you move your bench up, the more you are engaging the shoulders and less chest. Be sure your angle matches the goals you’ve set for pressing.

Incline Dumbbell Flys should not be done with heavy weights. Stay relatively light, keep the movement very controlled and focus on the stretch.

Remember to finish your sets with awareness so that you and your training partner/fellow gym members stay safe and injury-free. The best way to finish a set is to bring the dumbbells back to your thighs and stand up with them. Or have a lifting partner take them from you.

Feet Elevated Push-ups

Short on equipment?

Feet Elevated Push-ups are a pec deck alternative that doesn’t require any equipment at all.

Simply throw your feet up onto a bench, box or a few weight plates – anything sturdy will work.

Equipment Needed:

• Bench or Box

Step-by-Step Instruction

• Lie face down on the floor and place your feet up on a bench or box.
• Pull your toes in so that you’re on the tip of your shoes.
• Eyes should be focused straight down or slightly up.
• Pull your hands close to about the nipple line of the chest and bring them out about 2-3 inches away.
• Take a deep breath, engage the core and brace.
• Push yourself up in one unit. There should be no sagging of the waist. The entire body from head to toe should move up and then back down in unison.
• Feel your scapula upwardly rotate and make sure the antagonist muscles (Back and biceps) are fully engaging.
• Lock out your push-up and pause.
• Slowly lower yourself back down and get ready for the next repetition from just above the ground.

Coaching Points

Take your time and master the push-up. The benefits of doing sound push-ups will pay dividends for your shoulder health and the potential to maximize your upper body strength.

Keep the elbows at a 45-degree angle. For maximal chest, shoulder, and rotator cuff engagement, do not let the elbows flare out away from the middle. Also, do not let the elbow hug right next to the torso.

Landmine Press

If you have a landmine, Landmine Presses are an excellent exercise both as an alternate pressing movement and a unique exercise to add some variety.

Equipment Needed

• Landmine Attachment
• Barbell
• Weight Plates

How To

• Set up a landmine attachment with a barbell.
• Grab the end of the barbell and start with it at chest level.
• Feet should be shoulder-width apart with knees slightly bent and core braced.
• Remove one hand from the bar and then press the bar to full extension with the other arm.
• Lower the bar back to chest level under control.
• Repeat until all reps are completed and then switch to the opposite arm.

Coaching Points

Keep the core braced and maintain a neutral torso. If you find yourself leaning back and arching the low back, lower the weight if needed and correct your form.

If you don’t have a landmine attachment, don’t worry! Here is how you can make your own DIY Landmine Attachment with just a tennis ball.

Dips

One of my all-time favorite exercises for developing the chest and triceps is Dips.

If you don’t have access to a pec deck machine (or even if you do), Dips can make an excellent alternative to Pec Deck Flys.

Equipment Needed

• Squat Rack
• Dip Attachment
• A Dip Station can be used as well if you have access to one.

Muscles Worked

• Chest
• Shoulders (Anterior Delt)
• Triceps

Step By Step Instructions

• Attach your dip rack to your rack. This process will vary based on your rack and dip attachment. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely.
• Set your dip rack just above waist height. This will allow enough room for your feet not to hit the ground while doing reps, but not so high you feel you have to jump up into your first rep.
• Starting position is hands on bars, arms extended, knees slightly bent and feet crossed (crossing feet is optional but does help with unwanted swinging in my experience.
• Descend down by bending the elbows and slightly leaning forward.
• Lower yourself under control until the triceps become parallel with the ground and then drive yourself back up to the starting position.
• Repeat until all reps are completed.

Coaching Points

The biggest mistake I see with dips is a poor range of motion.

If someone is struggling to be able to do reps, the easiest solution is to simply not lower yourself into a full rep, but this is incorrect. If a lifter cannot perform a full rep they should switch to one of the variations listed below.

Medicine Ball Chest Pass

Medicine Ball Chest Pass is an explosive chest exercise that can be done with a partner or a solid wall.

Equipment Needed

• Medicine Ball
• Partner or Solid Wall

How To

• Grab a medicine ball and a partner (or a solid wall)
• Start on your knees, sit back onto your calves and hold the ball at your chest.
• Explosively drive forward with the hips and throw the ball forward to your partner.
• The forward hip extension should cause you to fall forward.
• Catch yourself with your hands and then explosively push yourself back up to your starting position.

Coaching Points

Med Ball Chest Passes can be done from the knees as described above, but can also be done from a standing position. Regardless of what starting position you use, brace the core and be explosive!

Plate Loaded Incline Bench

My final recommendation for a Pec Deck Flys alternative is Plate Loaded Incline Bench. Most college weight rooms and big commercial weight rooms will have plate-loaded equipment from Hammer Strength or a similar company.

If you have access to one of these isolateral machines, they can be a great substitution for the Pec Deck.

Final Thoughts

Pec Deck Flys are a popular exercise for developing the chest, but sometimes Pec Deck Flys are just not an option.

You may not have a pec deck machine available to you or at other times you might just be looking to add some variety to your training program.

In these situations, you’ll need a Pec Deck alternative and I hope that at least one of the exercises I’ve listed here fits what you were looking for.

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