Cable Twist (High to Low)

A rotational core exercise where the cable pulley is set high and the handle is driven diagonally down across the body toward the opposite hip, targeting the obliques through the classic woodchopper pattern.

Instructions

1. Set the cable pulley to the highest position and attach a single handle.
2. Stand sideways to the machine with feet shoulder-width apart, the cable tower to one side.
3. Grip the handle with both hands, arms extended above the shoulder closest to the machine.
4. Brace your core and keep a slight bend in your knees throughout.
5. In one fluid motion, rotate your torso and drive the handle diagonally downward across your body, finishing with your hands near the opposite hip.
6. Allow your back heel to pivot naturally to accommodate the full rotation.
7. Pause briefly at the bottom, squeezing the obliques.
8. Return the handle slowly to the starting position, resisting the cable tension.
9. Complete all reps on one side, then reposition and repeat on the opposite side.

Tips

• Initiate the movement from your core rotation, not your arms — the arms are levers, not drivers.
• Keep your hips facing forward and limit lower-body involvement to maintain tension on the obliques.
• Control the eccentric (return) phase; don’t let the cable yank you back.
• Move through a full range of motion for maximum oblique activation.
• Start light to groove the rotational pattern before adding weight.