Exercise guide
Standing Cable Wood Chop
The Standing Cable Wood Chop uses a high-to-low diagonal pull across the body. The abdominals control rotation while the shoulders, hips, and legs help guide the cable.
Training context
Before Adding Cable Wood Chops
Use a load that allows the torso and hips to rotate smoothly without pulling the arms out of position. The back foot may pivot so the lower body can follow the movement.
Set a planned repetition target rather than continuing until control is lost. Recreate the same cable height and distance from the tower on both sides.
Technique overview
Move diagonally without jerking the cable
Stand sideways to the high pulley and hold the handle with both hands. Pull it downward and across toward the opposite knee while rotating through the torso and hips. Reverse the motion slowly and stop before the weight stack pulls the body back toward the machine.
Treat this as an overview and use a range, pace, and setup you can control.