Cable woodchop
Primary muscles: Abs. Assisting muscles: Shoulders.
How to do it
- Grab a handle attached to a high pulley, standing side-on to the machine.
- Grip the handle with both hands, arms extended, about an arm's length from the pulley — this is the starting position.
- Pull the handle diagonally, from high down to the opposite knee, rotating your torso, and exhale.
- Keep your back straight and your abs braced, pivoting on your back foot for full range of motion.
- Return under control, inhaling, to the starting position.
- Repeat, then switch sides.
Key to the execution: The rotation comes from the torso and hips; the arms only transmit the cable's movement.
Common mistakes
- You move only your arms, without rotating your torso.
- You bend your back instead of pivoting from your hips and feet.
Alternatives: exercises for the same muscles
Log your sets and see your progress
In the PlanSports app you pick the exercise, log weight and reps, and each exercise page shows your best weight and progression. The AI coach puts the exercises into a 4-week program.
Abs exercises › Training programs by sport ›The exercise pages are compiled by PlanSports; if you have an injury or pain, talk to your coach or doctor first.