Exercise guide
Cable Woodchoppers
Cable Woodchoppers are a standing rotational core exercise performed from a high or shoulder-level pulley. Both hands guide the handle diagonally across the body while the abdominals control the turn. The shoulders assist in holding the arms along the chosen path.
Training context
Benefits of Cable Woodchoppers
The exercise trains the trunk through a diagonal resistance path and can be performed one side at a time. Cable height can be adjusted to create a high-to-low or more horizontal movement.
The feet may remain planted for a small range or pivot slightly during a larger rotation. Choose one method and apply it consistently on both sides.
Technique overview
Rotate without yanking the handle
Stand sideways to the pulley with soft knees and both hands on the handle. Rotate through the torso and hips as you pull diagonally across the body. Keep the arms mostly extended without locking the elbows. Return slowly and avoid allowing the cable to twist the knees or pull the shoulders forward.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.