Oblique exercises

Cable Pallof Press

Also known as: Pallof press à la poulie · Πιέσεις Pallof στην τροχαλία · pallof · anti-rotation press

Primary
Obliques
Equipment
Cable
Level
Beginner
Type
Isolation
Suggested rest
45 s
 
One side at a time

How to do the Cable Pallof Press

  1. Set the pulley at chest height, stand side-on and hold the handle at your chest with both hands.

  2. Step away to create tension in the cable and brace your core.

  3. Press the handle straight out without letting your torso rotate.

  4. Bring the handle back to your chest and finish your reps before switching sides.

Sets and reps

GoalSetsRepsRest
Muscle growth2–410–1545 s
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

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 Pallof Press doesn’t suit your gym or your joints.

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More obliques

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Cable oblique exercises