Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper
Work your core and obliques with this rotational resistance exercise. Strengthen your core and improve stability.
The Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper is a compound exercise that mainly works the core, with help from the back and traps. You'll need: resistance bands.

Required Equipment

Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper Muscles Worked
Primary
Obliques; Abdominals (rectus abdominis)
Secondary
Lats (latissimus dorsi); Mid Traps (trapezius, middle fibers)
Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper Variations and Alternatives
How to do the Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper
Resistance Band Standing Wood Chopper
A sturdy anchor point (such as a squat rack or a door anchor)
Setup
Anchor the Band: Securely attach the resistance band to a low anchor point. Ensure it is secure and won't snap back during the exercise.
Stand in Position: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, facing sideways to the direction of the band attachment.
Positioning
Grip the Band: With your hands, grab the band with both hands, keeping your arms straight. Position your hands above your shoulder on the side of the anchor point.
Stance: Maintain a slight bend in your knees and engage your core. Your shoulders should be relaxed and your chest lifted.
Movement
Start the Chopper: Pull the band down in a diagonal motion across your body, rotating your torso towards the opposite side. Keep your arms straight throughout the movement.
Engage Your Core: Focus on your core muscles as you initiate the pull. This movement should resemble a chopping action.
Complete the Movement: Continue pulling the band down until your hands reach around your hip level while rotating your torso fully.
Return: Slowly reverse the movement to return to the starting position, making sure to control the band and resist the pull.
Repetitions: Perform 10-15 repetitions on one side before switching to the opposite side, allowing for a balanced workout.
Tips
Breathing: Exhale as you pull down and inhale as you return to the starting position.
Adjust Resistance: If the movement is too easy or too difficult, adjust the resistance of the band or your distance from the anchor point.
Form Focus: Keep your movements controlled to maximize effectiveness and prevent injury.
Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper FAQs
What muscles does the Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper work?
The Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper mainly works the core, with help from the back and traps. The main muscles are the obliques and rectus abdominis.
What equipment do you need for the Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper?
Resistance bands.
Is the Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper a compound exercise?
Yes. It's a compound movement, meaning it trains several muscle groups at once rather than isolating one.
What are some Resistance-Band Standing Wood Chopper variations and alternatives?
Similar exercises include the Band Half Kneeling Chop, Band Pallof-Press, Band Side-Bend Overhead and Band Standing Crunch.
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