What muscles does the Cable Woodchopper work?

The Cable Woodchopper primarily works your obliques. It also recruits your rectus abdominis, shoulders and glutes as secondary movers.

What equipment do I need for the Cable Woodchopper?

You need a cable machine to perform the Cable Woodchopper.

A typical prescription for the Cable Woodchopper is 3–4 sets of 12–15 reps. Rest about 45–60 seconds between sets.

The Cable Woodchopper is best suited to intermediate lifters. Beginners can do it with light weight and close attention to form before progressing.

Exercise library · Core

Rotational exercise mimicking chopping motion.

Also known as: Woodchopper, Cable Chop, Rotational Chop, High-to-Low Chop

IntermediateCable machine

The numbers

Sets

3–4

Reps

12–15

Rest

45–60 s

The play-by-play

What separates good from great

Common questions

What is the Cable Woodchopper?: Rotational exercise mimicking chopping motion.
What muscles does the Cable Woodchopper work?: The Cable Woodchopper primarily works your obliques. It also recruits your rectus abdominis, shoulders and glutes as secondary movers.
What equipment do I need for the Cable Woodchopper?: You need a cable machine to perform the Cable Woodchopper.
How many sets and reps should I do for the Cable Woodchopper?: A typical prescription for the Cable Woodchopper is 3–4 sets of 12–15 reps. Rest about 45–60 seconds between sets.
Is the Cable Woodchopper good for beginners?: The Cable Woodchopper is best suited to intermediate lifters. Beginners can do it with light weight and close attention to form before progressing.