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Cable Wood Chop

Step by step instructions, muscle activation and variants for the Cable Wood Chop.

MediumObliques

About this exercise

The cable twist (up-down) is a rotational core exercise that works the obliques by pulling a cable handle across the body in a diagonal arc from high to low (or low to high). The adjustable pulley allows training both directions and both sides for balanced oblique development.

How to Perform

  • Set the cable pulley to a high position and attach a single-D handle
  • Stand sideways to the machine with feet shoulder-width apart and grasp the handle with both hands
  • Brace your core and, with straight or slightly bent arms, pull the handle diagonally downward and across your body toward the opposite hip
  • Rotate through your torso, leading with your obliques rather than your arms
  • Pause at the bottom of the movement, then slowly return to the start under control
  • Complete all reps on one side, then reposition and repeat on the other side

Muscle Activation

Primary
Obliques
Secondary
GlutesCoreInner thighsOuter thighs

Common Mistakes

Common mistakes content is coming soon.

About the Cable Wood Chop

The Cable Wood Chop 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.

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