Cable Woodchopper

Technique

Set a cable pulley to a low position and stand side-on, gripping the handle with both hands next to your outside hip. Rotate your torso and pull the handle diagonally up and across your body until it is above your opposite shoulder. Keep your arms relatively straight and pivot your back foot as you rotate. Return under control to the starting position and complete all reps before switching sides.

Steps

1. Set the pulley low and stand side-on with both hands gripping the handle by your hip.
2. Brace your core and keep your arms relatively straight.
3. Rotate your torso and pull the handle diagonally up toward your opposite shoulder.
4. Pivot your back foot as your hips and torso turn.
5. Return the handle to the starting position under control before repeating.

Common mistakes

• Bending the elbows excessively and turning the movement into an arm pull.
• Keeping the back foot planted and twisting through the knee.
• Using momentum instead of controlling the torso rotation.
• Allowing the cable to pull the torso back abruptly.

Variations

• High-to-low cable woodchopper
• Half-kneeling cable woodchopper
• Tall-kneeling cable woodchopper
• Split-stance cable woodchopper

FAQ