Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat
Chop it up! This full-body exercise targets your core, legs, and obliques for a satisfying burn.
The Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the back and glutes & hips. No equipment needed: it uses just your bodyweight.
Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat Muscles Worked
Primary
Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Secondary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Glutes (gluteus maximus)
Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat
Stand with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart.
Clasp your hands together and extend your arms above your head towards one side, mimicking holding an axe.
Begin to squat down, bending your knees and pushing your hips back as if sitting in a chair.
As you squat, simultaneously bring your clasped hands down diagonally across your body towards the opposite side of your knee, simulating a chopping motion.
Touch your hands to the outside of your knee or as close as you comfortably can.
Push through your heels to rise back up, reversing the motion and returning your hands above your head to the starting side.
Perform the desired number of repetitions and then switch sides to ensure a balanced workout.
Keep your core engaged and back straight throughout the movement to protect your lower back and maximize the engagement of your core muscles.
Repeat the exercise for the desired number of sets, alternating sides after each set as needed.
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Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat FAQs
What muscles does the Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat work?
The Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat mainly works the core, with help from the back and glutes & hips. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat?
None. The Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat is a bodyweight exercise, so you can do it anywhere.
Is the Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What workout day should the Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat go on?
It belongs on leg day in a push/pull/legs routine.
What are some Bodyweight Wood Chop Squat variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Bodyweight Woodchopper, Chop Knee Raise, Diagonal Clap Woodchopper and Dumbbell Wood Chop.
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