# Wood Chop (Cable)

> A rotational cable exercise where you chop a handle diagonally down and across your body to train your obliques.

Page: https://fitnessie.app/exercises/cable-wood-chop/
Type: Cable · Core
Demo video: https://fitnessie.app/demos/wood-chop-cable/2ec9f230b971a48f.mp4

## How to do it

1. 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.
2. Start turned toward the pulley with your arms almost straight.
3. Chop diagonally down and across your body, rotating your trunk and hips.
4. Finish with a slight hip hinge and a neutral spine.
5. 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)](https://www.strengthlog.com/cable-machine-wood-chop-high-to-low/)
- [Fitbod: Cable Wood Chop](https://fitbod.me/exercises/cable-wood-chop)