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Cable Chop (Low to High)

Intermediate

A rotational cable movement that targets the obliques and core to build rotational power; commonly scaled by adjusting speed or stance width.

About Exercise

Equipment

Single Cable Machine

Difficulty

3/5 • Intermediate

Primary Muscle Groups

Obliques

Secondary Muscles

Glutes, Shoulders, Lats

Popularity Score

7

Goals

Strength
Power
Stability
Conditioning

Training Style

Functional Training
Sports Performance

Setup Requirements

Requires Rack

No

Requires Bench

No

Requires Spotter

No

Space Needed

Small

Noise Level

Low

Muscle Breakdown

Obliques

10/10

External Obliques, Internal Obliques

Abs

7/10

Rectus Abdominis, Transverse Abdominis

Glutes

5/10

Glute Medius

Shoulders

4/10

Medial Delts

Lats

4/10
Programming

Typical Rep Range

8-15 reps

Rest Between Sets

60-90 seconds

How to Perform

Set the cable pulley to the lowest position and attach a D-handle. Stand sideways to the machine, feet shoulder-width apart, holding the handle with both hands near the hip closest to the stack.

  1. Brace your core and rotate your hips away from the machine.
  2. Pull the handle diagonally upward across your body.
  3. Pivot your back foot to allow full hip rotation.
  4. Extend your arms overhead toward the opposite shoulder.
  5. Reverse the motion under control to return to the start.

Coaching Tips

Form Cues

  • Pivot the back foot
  • Eyes follow hands
  • Explode up
  • Keep arms straight

Breathing

Exhale forcefully as you rotate and lift the weight; inhale as you return to the starting position.

Tempo

2-0-1

Range of Motion

From the outside of the near hip to full extension over the opposite shoulder.

Safety

Safety Notes

  • Keep spine neutral
  • Avoid if experiencing acute back pain
  • Start with light weight

Spotting

Not recommended; self-spot by adjusting weight.

Common Mistakes

  • Bending elbows excessively
  • Not pivoting feet
  • Rounding the lower back
  • Using only arms

When to Avoid

  • Acute lower back injury
  • Shoulder impingement
  • Recent abdominal surgery

Flexibility Needed

  • Adequate thoracic rotation
  • Hip mobility for pivoting

Build Up First

  • Basic core bracing
  • Familiarity with cable machines

Also known as

Low To High Woodchop, Cable Woodchop, Rotational Lift, Cable Upward Chop

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