Tone Your Core: Master the Cable Wood Chop Exercise

How to do the cable wood chop

Dr. Malik
By
Dr. Malik
Dr. Malik is an MD and fitness expert who has published on reputable websites. He combines medical knowledge with a passion for fitness to provide readers...
2 Min Read
Cable Wood Chop

The cable wood chop is a very unconventional exercise which you’ll hardly see any gym-goers performing. However, it’s very effective for developing your oblique muscles which make up a portion of your core aside from your abdominals.

But using cables is a sure way to get a great workout since you place constant tension on the target muscle group. So, the wood chop can take your core training to the next level as it’s a great movement which everyone should include in their training routine.

And you can do it before or after any workout to ensure your core is receiving optimal stimulation.

Cable Wood Chop Details
Basic Information
Body Part
Core
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles
Equipment
Cable Machine, Adjustable Cable Pulley, Handle Attachment.
Exercise Characteristics
Exercise Type
Strength
Movement Pattern
Rotation
Force Type
Isotonic
Unilateral/Bilateral
Unilateral
Compound/Isolation
Compound
Bodyweight Exercise
No
Training Parameters
Difficulty Level
Intermediate
Target Training Goals
Functional Fitness
Suitable Workout Phases
Main workout
Risk Level
Moderate
Weight Category
Moderate (e.g., medium dumbbells, kettlebells)
Recommended Rep Ranges
GoalRep Range
Strength8-12
Hypertrophy8-12
Endurance12-15
Power3-5
Muscular endurance15-20
Stability core8-12
Flexibility mobility8-12

Exercise Instructions

  1. Attach a single grip handle to the top of the cable pulley.
  2. Then, grab the handle with your left hand and turn away from the machine, so your left heel is facing the cable pulley.
  3. Now, grab the handle with your right hand, so both are gripping it.
  4. With arms straight, pull the cable down and across your body to the right while contracting your oblique muscles.
  5. Complete the ideal number of reps, then switch sides and repeat the movement.
  6. Alternate between both sides for sets.

Variations & Tips:

  • Avoid training too heavy as it will compromise your form making the exercise less effective.
  • The cable wood chop is an unconventional exercise which places constant tension on the obliques muscles.
  • Your abdominals also get worked secondarily during the movement.

Watch: How to do the cable wood chop

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If you have any questions or need further clarification about this article, please leave a comment below, and Malik will get back to you as soon as possible.

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Dr. Malik is an MD and fitness expert who has published on reputable websites. He combines medical knowledge with a passion for fitness to provide readers with accurate and scientifically-backed advice on exercise, muscle building, and overall wellness.
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