Oblique exercises

Cable Low-to-high Woodchop

Also known as: Bûcheron bas-haut à la poulie · Ξυλοκόπος από κάτω προς τα πάνω στην τροχαλία · Cable Twist (Down to up) · low to high cable chop · reverse woodchop

Primary
Obliques
Equipment
Cable
Type
Isolation
Suggested rest
1 min
 
One side at a time

How to do the Cable Low-to-high Woodchop

  1. Set the pulley low, stand side-on and grab the handle with both hands.

  2. Keep your arms almost straight and your knees slightly bent.

  3. Pull the handle diagonally up and across, rotating your torso and hips.

  4. Return slowly and finish your reps before switching sides.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–151 min
Muscular endurance2–315–2545 s

When you hit the top of the rep range on every set, add 2.5 kg (5 lb) next session and work back up.

Starting points from training research. Stop each set 1–3 reps short of failure.

Muscles worked

Primary

Obliques

Secondary

Abs, Shoulders

The obliques rotate and side-bend your trunk, and resist both. Side planks, Pallof presses, woodchops and carries cover every job.

Alternatives

Same muscles, similar movement: swap in one of these if the Cable Low-to-high Woodchop doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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More obliques

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Cable oblique exercises