Core · Rotation and anti-rotation
Cable Wood Chop
The Cable Wood Chop mainly trains your obliques. Also working: abs.
One cable
Standing, light pull
How to do it
- Side-on to the machine, both hands on the handle
- Pull diagonally down across your body to the opposite hip
- Arms straight, the rotation comes from your torso
- Return slowly: then switch sides
Coach’s tip
Let your back foot pivot. Builds exactly the rotational strength you need in daily life and sports.
Setup
Pulley
Pulley at the top
Grip
Single handle, both hands
Load
One cable
You need
Single handles
Stability
Standing with a moderate load. Brace your core.
Alternatives
Other exercises for the same movement (rotation and anti-rotation). In DCFT you can swap with one tap, and the app only offers what your equipment allows.
Questions about this exercise
What muscles does the Cable Wood Chop work?
Mainly the obliques. The abs help.
How do I set up the cable machine for the Cable Wood Chop?
Pulley: Pulley at the top. Grip: Single handle, both hands.
What can I do instead of the Cable Wood Chop?
For the same movement: Pallof Press, Kneeling Cable Wood Chop and Low-to-High Cable Wood Chop. In DCFT you swap with one tap.
DCFT
The Cable Wood Chop in DCFT
In the app this exercise comes with your weight: the plate to pin, what you lifted last time and a rest timer that starts by itself.
Free on the App Store for iPhone. Pro is a one-time purchase with no subscription.