High-to-Low Cable Woodchop

Obliques, absCable Machine

The high-to-low cable woodchop targets your obliques and core through a diagonal chop. Standing up keeps axial loading low while building rotational core strength and athletic stability.

How to do it

1Stand side-on to a high pulley and grip the handle overhead with both hands.

2Step away to create cable tension, keep your knees slightly bent, and lock your hips in place.

3Pull the handle diagonally down across your body by rotating and crunching your torso.

4Finish the chop near your opposite hip, keeping your core tight throughout.

5Control the weight back up along the same path to the starting position overhead.

Common mistakes

Pulling only with your arms without rotating your torso, which takes the work off your obliques.

Twisting at your knees and hip joints, creating unnecessary strain on lower body joints.

Letting the cable snap back too fast, losing tension in the eccentric phase.

Breathing

Exhale as you chop diagonally down; inhale as you control the handle back up.

This is general guidance, not a medical opinion. Listen to your body: if it hurts, stop. If you have an injury or a chronic condition, talk to a doctor first.