The cable woodchop is an exercise that uses a cable machine to simulate a woodchopping action, building strength and power in the core and obliques.

How to perform:

Attach a hand grip to the cable machine, positioning the cable anchor near the top of the frame using the adjustable mechanism. Load the machine with sufficient weight to provide moderate resistance.

Position your body so that the cable movement will be downward and across the body—like a tree-chopping action. With the feet shoulder-width apart, a neutral spine, and knees slightly bent, extend the arms and grasp the cable handle with both hands above one shoulder.

1.Pull the handle downward and diagonally across the body slowly, until it passes the opposite thigh. Rotate the entire torso during the pull and keep the arms fully extended throughout the movement.

2. Hold for a count of one or two.

3. Perform the movement in reverse, returning the cable handle to the starting position.

The cable woodchop targets the transverse abdominis and oblique muscles. These are the muscles that allow you to twist at the waist. It also engages the muscles of your back, shoulders, and legs.That makes it a compound exercise.

The woodchop is also a “functional exercise” because we use the same type of motion in everyday life when grabbing something from a shelf and placing it on the floor. For athletes, the movement mimics activity that occurs in many sports, such as swinging a bat or golf club.