How do you do the Wood Chop (Cable)?

Set a cable as high as it goes, stand side-on to it with feet about shoulder width apart, and take the handle with both hands. Start turned toward the pulley with your arms almost straight. Chop diagonally down and across your body, rotating your trunk and hips. Finish with a slight hip hinge and a neutral spine. Return to the start with control.

What muscles does the Wood Chop (Cable) work?

Mainly the obliques, with help from the abs.

What are common Wood Chop (Cable) mistakes?

Bending your arms and pulling with them. Turning only your arms and not your trunk. Rounding your spine at the bottom. Letting the cable yank you back to the start.

Wood Chop (Cable): how to do it, form cues and muscles worked

How to do it

Set a cable as high as it goes, stand side-on to it with feet about shoulder width apart, and take the handle with both hands.
Start turned toward the pulley with your arms almost straight.
Chop diagonally down and across your body, rotating your trunk and hips.
Finish with a slight hip hinge and a neutral spine.
Return to the start with control.

Key cues

Arms almost straight
Rotate trunk and hips
Chop down and across
Knees soft
Controlled return

Common mistakes

Bending your arms and pulling with them
Turning only your arms and not your trunk
Rounding your spine at the bottom
Letting the cable yank you back to the start

Muscles worked

Primary: Obliques
Secondary: Abs

Equipment

Cable machine and D-handle.

References

StrengthLog: Cable Machine Wood Chop (High to Low)
Fitbod: Cable Wood Chop