About this exercise
A dynamic bodyweight woodchopper that adds clapping hands for rhythm and explosive engagement. The diagonal sweeping motion from high to low trains the obliques, core, and shoulders while boosting heart rate.
Diagonal Claps Woodchopper
Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Diagonal Claps Woodchopper.
MediumObliques
How to Perform
- Stand with feet slightly wider than shoulder-width and knees slightly bent
- Raise both hands together diagonally above your right shoulder
- Clap your hands once at the top position
- Swing your arms down and across your body toward your left hip in a chopping motion
- Clap your hands again as they reach hip level on the opposite side
- Return to the starting high position and repeat the movement
- Rotate through your torso and keep your hips stable throughout
- Maintain a controlled speed to protect the lower back
Muscle Activation
Primary
Obliques
Secondary
CoreFront shoulders
Common Mistakes
Common mistakes content is coming soon.
About the Diagonal Claps Woodchopper
The Diagonal Claps Woodchopper is a foundational movement that builds strength and muscle through controlled, progressive overload. Train it 1 to 2 times per week with 3 to 5 working sets per session, gradually adding weight or reps as form holds up.