10 Best Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over Alternatives for Chest Training
The Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over is done standing with a cable machine. Ranked closest by our scoring: the Cable Cross-over Variation, the Cable Decline Fly and the Incline Cable Flye. Six harder versions, among them the Single-arm Cable Crossover and the Cable Crossover, are listed below as progressions rather than swaps.
Updated Ranked by our 12-factor similarity model How it works
Original Exercise: Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Primary muscle
- Pectorals
- Equipment
- Cable
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Type
- Isolation
Secondary muscles: Deltoids, Trapezius
How to perform Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing a cable machine.
- Grasp the handle with one hand and step back to create tension on the cable.
- Bend forward at the waist, keeping your back straight and your core engaged.
- Extend your arm out to the side, parallel to the ground, with a slight bend in your elbow.
- Slowly bring your arm back to the starting position, maintaining control throughout the movement.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch sides.
Ranked Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over Alternatives
10 substitutes, ranked by how closely each one matches the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over on movement pattern, muscles worked, equipment and body position. The higher the score, the less you change. Open "How to perform this exercise" on a card for the steps; every card title links to that exercise's own alternatives page. Harder versions are tagged as progressions and kept out of the top spot even when they score higher.
Best match 1. Cable Cross-over Variation
90% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
Pick this when you want to work the pectorals with less balance to manage.
How to perform this exercise
- Adjust the cable pulleys to chest height.
- Stand in the center of the cable machine with one foot in front of the other.
- Grasp the handles with your palms facing down and your arms extended out to the sides.
- Take a step forward, keeping your arms slightly bent.
- With a slight bend in your elbows, bring your hands together in front of your chest.
- Pause for a moment, then slowly return your arms back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: standing, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over

Progression
2. Single-arm Cable Crossover
96% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
Pick this when you want a harder version that still works the pectorals.
How to perform this exercise
- Begin by moving the pulleys to the high position, select the resistance to be used, and take a handle in each hand.
- Step forward in front of both pulleys with your arms extended in front of you, bringing your hands together. Your head and chest should be up as you lean forward, while your feet should be staggered. This will be your starting position.
- Keeping your left arm in place, allow your right arm to extend out to the side, maintaining a slight bend at the elbow. The right arm should be perpendicular to the body at approximately shoulder level.
- Return your arm back to the starting position by pulling your hand back to the midline of the body.
- Hold for a second at the starting position and repeat the movement on the opposite side. Continue alternating back and forth for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: standing, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over

Progression
3. Cable Crossover
90% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- To get yourself into the starting position, place the pulleys on a high position (above your head), select the resistance to be used and hold the pulleys in each hand.
- Step forward in front of an imaginary straight line between both pulleys while pulling your arms together in front of you. Your torso should have a small forward bend from the waist. This will be your starting position.
- With a slight bend on your elbows in order to prevent stress at the biceps tendon, extend your arms to the side (straight out at both sides) in a wide arc until you feel a stretch on your chest. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Keep in mind that throughout the movement, the arms and torso should remain stationary; the movement should only occur at the shoulder joint.
- Return your arms back to the starting position as you breathe out. Make sure to use the same arc of motion used to lower the weights.
- Hold for a second at the starting position and repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: standing, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
4. Cable Decline Fly
90% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Adjust the cable machine to a decline position.
- Stand facing away from the machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the handles with your palms facing forward and your arms extended straight out in front of you.
- Keeping a slight bend in your elbows, open your arms out to the sides in a controlled motion.
- Pause for a moment at the fully extended position, then slowly return to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: standing, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
Progression
- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Stand in the middle of a cable machine with your feet shoulder-width apart.
- Hold the handles of the cables with your palms facing down and your arms extended straight out to the sides.
- Keeping your arms straight, bring your hands together in front of your body, crossing them over each other.
- Pause for a moment, then slowly return to the starting position, keeping your arms extended.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: standing, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
Progression
6. Cable Upper Chest Crossovers
90% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Attach the handles to the cables at chest height.
- Stand in the center of the cable machine with one foot slightly in front of the other.
- Grasp the handles with your palms facing down and your arms extended out to the sides.
- Keep a slight bend in your elbows and engage your core.
- Pull the cables together in front of your chest, crossing them over each other.
- Squeeze your chest muscles at the peak of the movement.
- Slowly release the cables back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: standing, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over

7. Incline Cable Flye
90% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Beginner
- Isolation
Pick this when you want an easier version that still works the pectorals.
How to perform this exercise
- To get yourself into the starting position, set the pulleys at the floor level (lowest level possible on the machine that is below your torso).
- Place an incline bench (set at 45 degrees) in between the pulleys, select a weight on each one and grab a pulley on each hand.
- With a handle on each hand, lie on the incline bench and bring your hands together at arms length in front of your face. This will be your starting position.
- With a slight bend of your elbows (in order to prevent stress at the biceps tendon), lower your arms out at both sides in a wide arc until you feel a stretch on your chest. Breathe in as you perform this portion of the movement. Tip: Keep in mind that throughout the movement, the arms should remain stationary. The movement should only occur at the shoulder joint.
- Return your arms back to the starting position as you squeeze your chest muscles and exhale. Hold the contracted position for a second. Tip: Make sure to use the same arc of motion used to lower the weights.
- Repeat the movement for the prescribed amount of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
Progression
8. Cable One Arm Decline Chest Fly
90% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Attach a D-handle to a low pulley cable machine and set the bench to a decline angle.
- Lie down on the bench with your head towards the machine and grab the handle with your right hand.
- Extend your arm straight up above your chest, keeping a slight bend in your elbow.
- With a controlled motion, lower your arm out to the side until your hand is in line with your shoulder.
- Pause for a moment, then reverse the motion and bring your arm back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions, then switch to your left arm and repeat the exercise.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps on each side.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: lying on your back, not standing
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
9. Cable Middle Fly
89% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Attach cables to both sides of a cable machine at chest height.
- Stand in the center of the machine with one foot slightly in front of the other.
- Grasp the handles with an overhand grip and extend your arms out to the sides.
- Keep a slight bend in your elbows and maintain a slight forward lean.
- Engage your chest muscles and bring your arms forward in a sweeping motion.
- Pause for a moment at the center, then slowly return your arms back to the starting position.
- Repeat for the desired number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: standing, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over

Progression
10. Cable Iron Cross
87% match- Pectorals
- Cable
- Intermediate
- Isolation
How to perform this exercise
- Begin by moving the pulleys to the high position, select the resistance to be used, and take a handle in each hand.
- Stand directly between both pulleys with your arms extended out to your sides. Your head and chest should be up while your arms form a "T". This will be your starting position.
- Keeping the elbows extended, pull your arms straight to your sides.
- Return your arms back to the starting position after a pause at the peak contraction.
- Continue the movement for the prescribed number of repetitions.
Sets and reps: 3 sets of 10 to 15 reps.
Why this matches
- Primary muscle: pectorals, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Equipment: a cable, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Body position: standing, the same as the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
- Balance: easier to stay steady on than the Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over
Why You Might Need a Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over Alternative
You may substitute this isolation move for several reasons: shoulder pain with the bent-over angle, no access to a cable station, or a need for greater loading options or stability demands. Some lifters prefer bilateral presses to load heavier, while others need a movement that keeps constant tension through the range. Choose a substitute that preserves horizontal adduction and controlled eccentric loading. Technique cue: keep scapula stable and elbow soft (about 10–20 degrees) to maximize pectoral activation and limit anterior deltoid takeover.
How to Choose the Right Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over Substitute
Prioritize substitutes that match the original’s primary biomechanics, horizontal adduction and chest-sourced force production. Assess equipment availability, unilateral versus bilateral stimulus, and your injury profile. If you lack cables, pick a dumbbell single-arm fly to recreate the arc; if you need joint-friendly options, use a machine pec deck to limit shear. Technique cue: maintain scapular retraction and chest-first movement, emphasize a slow 2–3 second eccentric to increase time under tension and pectoral fiber recruitment.
Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over FAQ
What muscles does Cable One Arm Lateral Bent-over work?
The exercise primarily targets the pectoralis major, especially the sternal fibers, via horizontal adduction. It also recruits the anterior deltoid and scapular stabilizers like the serratus anterior; cue to keep the elbow slightly bent and pull across the midline to emphasize the chest.
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