This weight training apparatus facilitates a specific isolating exercise targeting the upper pectoral muscles. The user sits on an inclined bench and grasps handles attached to lever arms or cables, bringing the arms together in front of the chest in a hugging motion. This mimics the action of a dumbbell fly but offers more consistent resistance throughout the range of motion.
Developing the clavicular head of the pectoralis major, often underdeveloped with standard bench presses, is a primary advantage of this equipment. This contributes to a fuller, more well-rounded chest aesthetic. The fixed movement plane and controlled resistance also make it suitable for rehabilitation or individuals new to weight training, allowing for focused strength building and minimizing risk of injury compared to free weights. Historically, this type of equipment evolved from earlier cable and pulley systems, offering a safer and more biomechanically efficient way to target this specific muscle group.