High To Low Woodchop (Cable)

Level
intermediate
Force
push
Mechanic
compound
Equipment
cable
Category
strength
Primary Muscles
Secondary Muscles

Core rotational exercise using cable machine to develop rotational power and oblique strength.

Instructions

  1. Attach a handle to the high pulley of a cable machine and stand perpendicular to the machine with feet shoulder-width apart.
  2. Grasp the handle with both hands positioned at shoulder height on the same side as the cable machine.
  3. Keep your arms slightly bent and your core engaged throughout the movement.
  4. In one fluid motion, pull the handle across your body diagonally downward toward the opposite hip.
  5. Your body should rotate naturally as you follow the movement with your eyes on the handle.
  6. Extend your arms as the handle moves across your body, finishing with your hands outside your opposite hip.
  7. Squeeze your obliques and core at the bottom of the movement.
  8. Slowly return to the starting position with control.
  9. Complete all reps on one side, then switch sides.

Tips

  • Focus on rotating through your core, not just moving your arms
  • Maintain a stable base with your feet planted throughout the movement
  • This exercise builds rotational power useful for sports like golf and baseball
  • Keep your head in neutral position throughout to avoid neck strain
  • Control the movement in both directions for maximum core engagement

Recommended starting values

Sensible novice starting points for each goal, for a lifter aged 25–40. Scale down for smaller frames or older lifters. Treat the first set of any session as a discovery set.

Goal Sets Reps Weight
Male Female
Gain strength 3 15 reps 17.5 kg 12.5 kg
Build muscle 3 18 reps 15 kg 12.5 kg
Build endurance 3 25 reps 12.5 kg 10 kg

Alternatives

Exercises that target the same muscles with the same force and mechanic.

intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
beginner strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength
intermediate strength